The cargo area of a pickup truck is one of the most dangerous places to transport children. Approximately 200 people die every year as a result of riding in cargo areas, and more than half of them are children and teenagers.

Ejection is the most common cause of death and injury for passengers in pickup cargo areas. Even if no collision occurs, passengers can fall out during a swerve, braking or bumpy road conditions. One-third of non-collision deaths occurred when victims were standing up, sitting on the tailgate or "horsing around." And parents riding inside the truck cab cannot supervise children who are in the cargo area. Even a cover does not help, because passengers can still be hurt in a collision, and the covers can potentially trap dangerous emissions.

In 1991, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended banning child passengers from cargo areas. NHTSA, the National PTA, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and others have joined together for the "Kids Aren't Cargo" campaign.

Another problem for pickup truck owners is that they often are not compatible with child safety seats. If the truck has only one seat, there may not be room for all family members to be buckled up. Extended cabs often do not allow enough for proper installation of child safety seats. "Jump seats" that face backward or sideways are not compatible with forward facing child safety seats.

Ask pediatricians to add a question about pickup trucks to their parent interview during well-baby check-ups (most already ask about child safety seats). Pediatricians who are members of the American Academy of Pediatricians can get posters and other collateral materials from the Academy to explain why "Kids Aren't Cargo."

Order NHTSA's "Kids Aren't Cargo" campaign materials (hangtag, poster, legislative sheet) from the Traffic Safety Materials Catalog to distribute to auto dealers who sell pickup trucks.

You can reproduce the following Child Transportation Safety Tips to distribute to your constituents:

Tip #2 – Where Should Your Child Ride?

Tip #9 – Air Bag Safety: Buckle Up Everyone! Children in Back!