Truck beds unsafe for all passengers

THE ISSUE Four women riding in the bed of a pickup truck died in a collision on Kunia Road.

RIDING in the bed of a pickup truck is a known risk, yet state law bans passengers only if they are 12 years old or younger. Since the likelihood of injury or death is similar at any age, the ban should be made complete. With the legislative session scheduled to end next week, state lawmakers might not have time to pass a prohibition this year, but they should consider the matter next year.

Meanwhile, the deaths of four women in an accident on Kunia Road earlier this week will stand as a grim warning to others.

The women, ages 46 through 59, were among 10 people riding in the bed of a pickup truck, apparently the usual way they were transported to work on a farm in Ewa. The pickup collided with a cement truck after a car going in the opposite direction got in the way.

Officials say there were no passenger restraints in the truck bed. The four women who died and others injured were thrown from the vehicle.

The 1997 law prohibiting children from riding in truck beds was compromise legislation. Opposition to a comprehensive ban came mainly from rural and neighbor island areas.

Since then, pickups have become popular among urban drivers, and it is not unusual to see passengers riding in truck beds on freeways and busy city streets. Even in a minor fender-bender, passengers unrestrained by seat belts and other safety protections are exposed to injury.

In the past, lawmakers have considered requirements for seat belts on vehicles that carry large numbers of passengers, particularly school buses. While that remains a concern, at least such vehicles are designed to carry people. Pickup truck beds aren't.

There are laws requiring cargo and animals in pickups beds be properly secured for safe transport. If human beings can't be assured the same, they should not be permitted to climb aboard.