Influencing Factors Studies have shown factors that may increase the risk of riding in pickup truck cargo areas. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends legislation prohibiting passenger travel in pickup truck cargo areas. 12 No effective interventions to reduce youth injuries associated with pickup truck cargo areas were identified. Pickup truck cab areas may include additional hazards for youth such as exposure to front seat airbags and insufficient jump or bench seat size to support a child safety or booster seat. Over half of all states and the District of Columbia restrict passenger travel in pickup truck cargo areas.
Most legislation includes exceptions that limit protection.
14 Pickup truck cargo area safety should be addressed in driver education classes and remedial traffic school. Poster and rearview mirror hangtag available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Poster, window sticker, and video available through the Pediatric Injury Prevention Research Group at the University of California Irvine. Lesson teaches pickup truck occupant safety issues to children in 4 th to 6 th grade. The following resources detail state laws restricting travel in pickup truck cargo areas.