The Dangers of Riding in the Flatbed of a Truck

CANTON, Texas. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 30 states have laws restricting riders from traveling in the back of a flatbed truck. Yet, even in states where these laws are in place, there are certain circumstances where riders can be in the back of a flatbed. In Texas, for example, people who are 18 and older can ride in the back of a flatbed truck. Vehicles giving hay rides or vehicles transporting people on a farm are also exempt from the law. However, the lack of regulations in certain instances does not mean that riding in a flatbed is safe.

There are many dangers associated with riding in the back of a flatbed truck. If a truck needs to make a sharp turn or come to a sudden stop, a person can be thrown from the truck. Flatbeds and cargo areas are not designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash. Sharp turns can also eject passengers. If a truck is carrying passengers in traffic, a person can suffer additional injuries if they are hit by another vehicle after being thrown from a truck.

Transporting animals in the back of your flatbed truck is also dangerous. While many people do it, the animal can get thrown from the truck if the car needs to suddenly stop or turn. The animal can be hurt or killed in an accident or get run over by other vehicles. Finally, if the animal is not restrained, your dog could jump out of the flatbed while you are stopped at a red light or stop sign, posing not only a hazard to your dog, but also a hazard to other drivers who may swerve onto oncoming lanes or traffic to avoid hitting your pet.

Another area where people may ride in a flatbed truck is on hay rides. While hay rides can be fun, it is important to remember that you are essentially sitting in a flatbed. Ask the operator how fast the hay ride will move. Will the hay ride operate on flat surfaces? According to the National Children’s Center, if you do plan to let your kids take a hay ride, it is important to make sure that your child understands the safety rules. Operators of hay rides should inspect tractors before use and they should use an appropriate tractor to pull the ride. Railings of the ride should be properly secured. If children will be on the hay ride without their parents, the operator should ensure that there is a proper child to parent ratio. Operators should not let children stand while the ride is in motion. Even when these safety steps are followed, hay rides can still be dangerous. Parents should carefully consider whether the risk is worth it.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident due to the neglect or negligence of another person or party, you may have certain rights under the law. The Cooper Law Firm are Canton, Texas truck accident lawyers who may be able to help you seek damages if you or a loved one has been hurt. You may, however, only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more about your rights and options.

 

Cooper Law Firm

501 N Third St,

Longview, TX 75601

Telephone: (903) 297-0037