Can I Ride In The Bed Of A Truck In Georgia
Have you ever wanted to jump in the back of a pickup and take a drive down the roads of Georgia? If so, you may have asked the question, can I ride in the bed of a truck in Georgia? If so, we have the answer.
Under Georgia Law titles, O.C.G.A S 40-8-79, it is illegal for a minor under the age of 18 to ride in the bed of a pickup truck on an interstate highway in Georgia. However, it is not illegal for minors to ride in the bed of a truck on small roadways.
Although it isn’t illegal for adults to ride in the bed of a truck, and for minors to ride on small roadways, it is very dangerous. Regardless of your age, riding in the bed of a truck can cause serious injury and even death.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute, pickup truck owners should understand that the beds of pickups don’t provide protection for people in the event of a crash. Even at low speeds, children and adults can be ejected from the truck bed if the truck takes a sharp turn, even at low speeds. This can happen to a child or an adult. If there is a serious crash, the people in the bed of the truck have no protection. Also, they can be thrown from the truck bed or crushed if the truck rolls over.
Each state has its own law regarding riding in the back of a pickup. There are 30 states, including Georgia, that have laws designed to protect children. In other states, it is illegal for everyone to ride in truck beds, even adults. Due to safety concerns, the states which do allow passengers in the pickup might change their laws in the future.
Over the last few years, companies have been selling seats that can be installed in the back of a pickup. These seats come equipped with seat belts to provide more safety to adults riding in the back of the truck. So far, these seats appear to be legal. It is essential to understand that these seats have not been federally approved. Also, they haven’t been subjected to any crash tests. Even in one of these seats, riders are still very vulnerable if there is an accident or a rollover.
Overall, the safest way to travel in a pickup is in the cab of the truck. The risk of serious injury and death while riding in the back of a pickup is just too high and not worth the risk. Even though it isn’t illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to ride in the bed of a pickup, it is very dangerous. Is it worth being injured or killed so that you can ride in the bed of a pickup?
