NC law allows many children and all persons 16 years of age or older to ride in the back of a pickup truck. However, at no age or size should any child or adult ride unrestrained in the vehicle or ride in a non-belted position such as a pickup truck bed or other cargo area.

Riding in the open bed of a pickup truck increases the risk of ejection from the vehicle. Occupants who are ejected from the vehicle are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured that those who stay in the vehicle.

Riding in an enclosed camper shell (which may or may not be legal - depending on its construction and method of attachment - for children less than age 16) exposes occupants to an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

<< previous page    next page >>