Pick-up trucks are common on New York roads, whether for personal or commercial use. While these vehicles are often used to transport cargo, they are also used for the transportation of people, particularly in the truck’s bed. This raises the question: Is riding in the back of a pick-up in New York legal?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Several factors determine whether it is legal or not to ride in the back of a pick-up truck in New York. In this article, we will explore the laws and regulations surrounding the use of pick-up trucks for the transportation of people in New York.
New York State Law
New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibit riding in the back of a pick-up truck on any state road or highway, regardless of the purpose or the type of pick-up truck. This law applies to both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. The only exception to this law is if the pick-up truck is specifically designed to transport passengers in the back, with seats, seat belts, and other safety features that meet federal standards.
The law also prohibits children under 18 from riding in the back of a pick-up truck, even if it is specifically designed for transporting passengers. This applies to all state roads, highways, and private property.
Penalties for Violating the Law
The penalties for violating the law can vary depending on the circumstances of the violation. If an individual is caught riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a state road or highway, they can be issued a traffic ticket and fined up to $150. In addition, they may be required to attend a traffic safety course.
If a driver is caught allowing a child under 18 to ride in the back of a pick-up truck on a state road or highway, they can be charged with a misdemeanor offense and fined up to $1,000. In addition, they may face up to one year in jail.
Safety Concerns
The law prohibiting riding in the back of a pick-up truck is in place to ensure the safety of passengers. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck can be extremely dangerous, especially if the truck is involved in an accident or makes a sudden stop. Passengers in the back of a pick-up truck risk being ejected from the vehicle, resulting in severe injury or death.
In addition, passengers in the back of a pick-up truck are not protected by any safety features that are standard in passenger vehicles, such as airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones. This lack of protection can increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Potential Injuries to People Riding in the Back of a Pick-Up in an Accident
When riding in the back of a pick-up truck, passengers are at a high risk of sustaining serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Some of the types of injuries that passengers can sustain include the following:
Head Trauma
Passengers in the back of a pick-up truck can suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to the lack of protection from impact with other objects or the ground. Head trauma can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, such as cognitive impairments, speech and language problems, and personality changes.
Spinal Injuries
The force of an accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of mobility. Spinal cord injuries can also cause nerve damage and chronic pain.
Fractures
Passengers in the back of a pick-up truck can suffer from bone fractures due to the impact of an accident. Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, pelvis, ribs, and other bones.
Cuts and Bruises
Passengers can suffer from cuts and bruises due to impact on other objects or the ground during an accident. These injuries can range from minor to severe and may require medical attention.
Internal Injuries
Passengers in the back of a pick-up truck can suffer from internal injuries due to impact with other objects or the ground. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Without the protection of seat belts and airbags, passengers in the back of a pick-up truck are at a high risk of being ejected from the vehicle, resulting in life-threatening injuries or even death. Even at low speeds, accidents can cause serious injuries to passengers in the back of a pick-up truck.
Alternatives to Riding in the Back of a Pick-Up Truck
While riding in the back of a pick-up truck is prohibited by law, there are several alternatives available for transporting people in a pick-up truck. One option is a pick-up truck with a crew cab, which has a full-size back seat and seat belts. This allows passengers to travel safely in the truck’s cab while utilizing the cargo space in the truck’s bed.
Another option is to use a trailer or cargo carrier attached to the back of the pick-up truck. This provides a safe and secure space for transporting people or cargo while allowing the pick-up truck to be used for its intended purpose.
Recovering Compensation if You Are Injured During an Accident While Riding in the Back of a Pick-Up Truck
In New York, if you are injured while riding in the back of a pick-up truck that is involved in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. However, this will depend on the accident’s circumstances and the parties’ actions.
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you could pursue a personal injury claim against the driver and their insurance company. To prove negligence, you must show that the driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving, breached that duty, and that the breach caused your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim.
If the pick-up truck driver was at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover compensation through their insurance company. However, New York operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning that your insurance company may be responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
It is important to note that riding in the back of a pick-up truck in violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law may impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. If you were under 18 or the pick-up truck was not designed for transporting passengers, you may be found partially or fully at fault for your injuries.
Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, for Help with Your Accident Claim
Riding in the back of a pick-up truck is illegal on all New York State roads and highways, except for vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers in the back with safety features that meet federal standards. Children under 18 are also prohibited from riding in the back of a pick-up truck, even on private property. Violating this law can result in fines, traffic tickets, and even jail time.
The law is in place to protect passengers from serious injury or death that can occur from being ejected from a pick-up truck in an accident or sudden stop. Passengers in the back of a pick-up truck are not protected by any safety features that are standard in passenger vehicles, such as airbags and seat belts.
However, alternatives are available for transporting people in a pick-up truck, such as using a pick-up truck with a crew cab or attaching a trailer or cargo carrier to the back of the truck. These alternatives provide a safe and secure space for passengers or cargo while allowing the pick-up truck to be used for its intended purpose.
It is important to note that some localities may have additional regulations or laws regarding the use of pick-up trucks for the transportation of people. It is recommended to check with local authorities or consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III are available to assist with any legal questions or concerns regarding transportation laws in New York. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and can provide guidance on compliance and best practices for transportation. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
