Everything is bigger in Texas, and vehicles are no exception. Not surprisingly, many residents of the Lone Star state prefer trucks to standard cars and SUVs.
Not only do they have the horsepower to haul whatever you need, they sit higher from the road for better visibility and less exposure to the headlights of other cars on highways and streets.
While you might believe that this makes pickup trucks safer than SUVs and standard vehicles, this isn't necessarily the case.
Findings from recent studies found that pickup truck safety falls behind that of popular SUVs and automobiles. According to statistics, over 1,300 Texans died last year as a result of pickup truck accidents. 4,400 suffered from severe injuries.
Texans Love Their Trucks
You might be surprised to learn that Texans buy one in five pickup trucks sold in America. These vehicles provide a wide range of functionality, ranging from hauling trailers, equipment, and supplies for agricultural endeavors. Ideal for multiple types of terrain, they have the power to get through almost any landscape.
But just because they have a high capacity doesn't mean they are the safest vehicle choice available. Pickup truck frames are sturdier and don't give way in front end crashes. In the event of an accident, the impact of the collision gets transferred to the passenger compartment, which can cause injuries to passengers.
Staying Safe On The Roads
Despite the vast popularity of pickup trucks, a 2019 safety study found that over half of new models of pickups earned low ratings for passenger safety. This vehicle type frequently receives lower safety scores than standard vehicles and SUVs, and not one pickup truck achieved top rankings for vehicular protection.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration findings show that rollover crashes are most likely to result in fatalities, and pickups are three times more likely to have a rollover accident than automobiles and Sports Utility Vehicles.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, don't overlook the importance of reviewing the safety rankings of the pickup you're thinking about buying. By doing so, you can ensure the security of yourself and passengers.
Involved In A Pickup Truck Accident? Let Us Help
If you or someone you love sustained injuries as a result of a pickup truck accident, hiring a personal injury attorney to work as your advocate as quickly as possible helps to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
At Jim Walker Attorney at Law, you can rely on our experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your case to determine the best course of action.
If you'd like to discuss your case, reach out and contact our offices today for a free consultation.