This study was designed to compare pickup truck drivers who carried passengers in the back with those who have not, with respect to driving behaviours, sociodemographic features and issues related to use of the pickup truck. A Computerized Assisted Telephone Survey was conducted in Riverside County, California. 1000 motor vehicle drivers were surveyed with respect to demographics, restraint use, driving behaviours, and variables related to vehicle use. 37% (365) of the households had a pickup truck driver. Pickup drivers were grouped into those who stated that they had carried occupants in the back (n=119) and those who had not (n=245). 48% of 16-24 year olds, and 45% of 35-44 year olds carried passengers in the back of pickup trucks. Of those who had carried passengers in the back, 49% carried 4-12 year olds; 64% carried teenagers and 59% carried adults. Those who carried occupants in the back were significantly more likely to be students and single, with more high risk driving behaviours. They also used the pickup truck for multiple purposes, namely recreation, work, school related, daily transportation. Those who allowed passengers in the back were significantly less likely to agree with statements suggesting restriction of travel in the back. Finally, in only 9% of the cases was the pickup truck the only vehicle available in the household.
Abstract