Pickup trucks have long been seen as tough, rugged, and capable vehicles , favored by contractors, rural drivers, and families alike. But in recent years, questions have emerged around their actual safety. Are they safer than sedans and SUVs? Or do they pose hidden dangers for drivers, passengers, and road users?
This blog takes a closer look at how safe pickup trucks really are on today’s roads, based on crash tests, crash data, and real-world concerns. We’ll also examine what legal options are available after a pickup truck accident, especially in South Carolina , where Ted Law Firm has proudly represented countless injury victims.
The Popularity of Pickup Trucks in the U.S.
Larger vehicles like pickup trucks dominate the American automotive market. Models like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 consistently top the sales charts. They’re widely used for both work and everyday commuting.
But with popularity comes scrutiny , especially when it comes to safety features.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pickup trucks accounted for 20% of all vehicle sales in 2023. Their larger size, height, and weight offer perceived protection, but data shows that certain crash scenarios tell a more complicated story.
Are Pickup Trucks Safer Than Smaller Cars?
In some ways, yes. Pickup trucks have structural advantages in multi-vehicle crashes, particularly when colliding with passenger vehicles. Their heavier vehicle frame can offer more protection to occupants in head-on collision scenarios.
However, this same benefit creates a major safety disadvantage for:
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Drivers and passengers in passenger cars
- Rear-seat passengers in the truck itself
In fatal crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that pickup truck occupants are more likely to suffer severe injuries in rollover crashes, especially when not wearing seat belts.
The Rollover Risk in Pickup Trucks
Rollover risk is one of the most significant concerns with modern pickup trucks. Their high center of gravity increases the risk of injury during high-speed turns or evasive maneuvers.
Key rollover crash facts:
- Pickups have a 20–30% higher rate of rollover accidents in single-vehicle crashes.
- Unloaded truck beds (without cargo) are more vulnerable to tipping.
- Speeding and sudden steering can easily destabilize these types of vehicles.
Nearly 50% of all fatal single-vehicle crashes involving pickup trucks involve rollovers, compared to only 25% for passenger cars.
Rear-Seat Safety in Pickup Trucks
Rear-seat crash protection in modern trucks is another issue. While the front has advanced safety systems, the rear often lacks standard features such as side airbags and modern seat safety.
Crash testing with rear dummy data reveals:
- Rear-seat occupants are at higher injury rates for chest and abdominal injuries.
- Some models still lack full-length curtain airbags.
- Advanced seat belts are often limited to front seats.
Families using pickup trucks for daily transport should consider these limitations carefully.
Blind Spots and Visibility Challenges
Blind spots in pickup trucks are considerably larger due to elevated hoods and cab height. This results in poor sight lines, making it difficult to detect pedestrians and children in tight parking spaces or road conditions like school zones.
According to Consumer Reports:
- Many modern pickups have visibility gaps in the front under 6 feet.
- Pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert help, but aren’t always reliable.
- Poor visibility is a key contributor to pedestrian fatalities.
Drivers must use extra caution when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces.
Safety Ratings: How Do Pickup Trucks Compare?
Organizations like Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rank pickups using crash test standards and crash prevention rating systems. Some models stand out, while others show room for improvement.
Top-rated trucks include:
- Ford F-Series (especially the 2023 Ford F-150 crew cab)
- Toyota Tundra with advanced safety technology
- Ram 1500 with excellent driver injury measures
However, base trims may lack collision warning, automatic braking, or adaptive cruise control.
It’s important to review the specific crash test rating of the vehicle type and trim you plan to buy.
Pickup Trucks and Pedestrian Deaths
Tragically, pedestrian fatalities involving pickup trucks have risen. Research shows these types of trucks are more likely to cause a fatal injury in pedestrian impacts.
Reasons include:
- High front-end profile
- Heavier barrier contact point on impact
- Slower braking response in heavy-duty trucks
For pickup truck drivers in cities like Charleston or Columbia, it’s vital to remain alert and avoid distractions.
What Happens in a Pickup Truck Crash?
Crashes involving larger vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries, especially in rear-end collisions, two-vehicle crash scenarios, or Frontal crash cases.
Possible outcomes include:
- Spinal trauma
- Brain injuries
- Amputation
- Long-term disability
Drivers of pickup trucks and other road users must understand that pickup trucks, while capable, have unique accident risks that require heightened responsibility.
Legal Challenges After a Pickup Truck Accident
Navigating legal challenges after an accident can be complex, especially when commercial trucks, truck beds, or semi-trucks are involved.
Injury victims may face:
- Disputes with Trucking companies and their parent company
- Multi-party insurance complications
- Defective advanced safety features claims
An experienced team of truck accident lawyers is essential to build a strong case.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help
At Ted Law Firm, we help victims of traffic accidents involving pickup trucks, passenger trucks, and full-sized trucks throughout South Carolina. We understand the dynamics of vehicle type, advanced safety systems, and the level of safety recognition required for these cases.
Whether it’s a crash involving a crane truck, cement truck, or tow truck, our legal team is here to fight for you.
Final Thoughts: Are Pickup Trucks Safe?
Pickup trucks can be safe with the right safety features, careful driving, and proper use of seat belts. However, their elevated risk of rollovers, blind spots, and danger to road users should not be overlooked.
Choosing the safest truck means checking its 5-star safety rating system, headlight ratings, and available critical safety technologies. For families, safety should always come before towing capacity or bed space.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm is a premier personal injury law firm proudly serving Charleston, Columbia, Aiken, Anderson, and surrounding South Carolina communities. With years of experience fighting for victims of pickup truck accidents, our team is prepared to handle the legal system and demand the justice you deserve. We stand with South Carolina injury victims,every step of the way. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will guide you through every step and help secure the justice your family deserves. Let Ted Law Firm handle the legal stress while you focus on healing. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Columbia, Charleston and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation on your truck accident injury claim and ensure your rights are protected.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
