Modern pickup truck passengers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are at greater risk of getting hurt or killed in crashes than pickup drivers are, according to a new study. The study was conducted by researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Researchers found that most pickups with two-row seating were vulnerable to structural failure during crash tests involving the front-right corner, which is the side of the vehicle where passengers sit. According to IIHS, the Toyota Tundra performed the worst during front-right impacts, causing the vehicle to earn a “poor” rating from the organization. Meanwhile, five pickups earned “marginal” ratings for their crash performances, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, the GMS Sierra 1500 and the Nissan Frontier. The Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma managed to get “acceptable” ratings, and the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500 and the Nissan Titan all scored “good” ratings.
During impact tests on the driver’s side, almost all the pickups earned a “good” rating. However, the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Frontier only received “marginal” scores. IIHS researchers have been conducting front driver side impact tests on vehicles since 2012, but passenger side tests weren’t started until 2017. According to IIHS, the test results indicate that the Toyota Tundra needs design improvements to improve crash safety. Its current design hasn’t been substantially updated since 2014.
Individuals injured in car accidents may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash in order to recover losses. Possible damages paid out in a personal injury claim might include current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property loss and lost wages. An attorney familiar with car crash claims may evaluate a victim’s case and help prepare a claim.