This week on Roadscapes Wednesday, I am talking about the dangers of riding in the back of a pickup truck. Pickup trucks are designed to transport things and objects from one place to another. That’s why they have the cab in the back. Most people are responsible when they are transporting things. But sadly, some people neglect doing simple things like tying their loads down or loading way too much, like this guy!
Pickup trucks should only be used to transport objects. You should NEVER transport people or animals like dogs in the back of a pickup truck while going down a public highway. It’s okay to ride in the back of a pickup truck while on private property or going slow on a low-traffic road. But the reason why I am doing this post is because a tragic accident happened on US 431 in Guntersville last weekend.
Last weekend, a pickup truck loaded with more than 10 children flipped while going down US 431 at 65 mph. The truck lost control and flipped a couple of times before landing on the side of the road. This is the result of the truck.
From AL.com
Four teens ranging from ages 13-21 were killed while five more were injured. First off, why would anyone drive a pickup truck full of kids while going down a major highway at 65 mph? You should never risk the lives of others doing that. When the truck lost control, all the occupants of the truck were ejected onto the highway. When you ride in the back of a pickup truck, you are not protected from an accident and even a simple wreck can result in the occupants in the back being ejected. Numerous animals like dogs have been killed when they were ejected from the back. Yes, I have seen some dogs in the back of a pickup truck while going down the Interstate at 70 mph.
Alabama is one of 19 states in the nation that does not prohibit passengers from riding in cargo areas of pickups. There is a state law that requires all occupants 14 and younger to use restraining systems while riding in a motor vehicle. After an accident like this, the Alabama Legislature needs to look at adding a law to ban people and animals from riding in the back of a pickup truck while on a public highway. I have no problem with people or animals riding in the back while on private property. But you have to use some common sense! NEVER allow people or animals to ride in the back of a pickup truck while on a public highway. It’s a death sentence waiting to happen.
Please pray for the families who lost loved ones in this tragic accident.
Related articles
- Driver from Sunday crash one of four fatalities; teens filling pickup were going for swim (al.com)
- Alabama Politicians Mull Truck Safety After Crash (wtvy.com)
- 3rd person dies after Guntersville rollover crash (newsobserver.com)
