Legislature Won’t Stop Teens from Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks

Alabama lawmakers won’t bar teens from riding in the back of pickup trucks after most acknowledged they’ve ridden there too.

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday refused to debate a bill to ban kids under 19 from riding in the back of pickup trucks.

Guntersville Republican Rep. Kerry Rich brought the bill following a fatal 2013 accident that killed four young people. The restriction would have applied only on federal and state highways.

Rich asked lawmakers if they thought it was safe for a teen to ride there.

Republican Rep. Terri Collins asked for a show of hands if they’ve ridden in the back of a truck. Most House members raised their hands.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 30 states have restrictions on riding in cargo areas.

 

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