Letters to the Editor

[simchabayla]

I read the Editorial by John Tomlin with interest.  I am an AARP Driver Safety instructor and my husband, Henry, is Chief Trainer for the AARP program.  We have long noted that Florida traffic safety laws are lacking.  I applaud Mr. Tomlin  for his stand on booster seats and distracted driving, however he failed to mention one of the most pressing flaws in Florida laws.

While children must be in safety seats and anyone under 18 must be in a safety belt in a car, it is legal to load your whole family into the bed of a pickup truck, whatever their ages, and drive on public roads as long as they don't sit on the siderails.  I have driven behind a pickup in its way to the beach with four children under 12 in the bed along with the cooler and the beach chairs.  One bump in the road or short stop and they could all be airborne.

My husband and I have contacted our legislators and were told that agricultural interests demand that this be legal.  If a person is over 18, it's their choice, as foolish as it may be.  For children, this is a disgrace.

Joyce S.

[scout11]

You'd think that if the law permits riding in the back bed of a truck for agricultural reasons, couldn't you apply this strictly and only allow such behavior when people are on a farm?  That would prevent people from driving to a beach in such a dangerous manner. What do you think?

[medcom3]

I share your concerns about people in the back of vehicles, but look what Pinellas County Animal Services says about dogs:

• 53. My dogs like to ride in the back of my truck what are the laws regarding him riding back there?
  If your dog is riding in the back of a pickup truck it needs to be restrained by a minimum of two tethers fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle and attached to a collar or harness being worn by the animal. The animal can also be confined in a humane manner inside a locked animal carrier mounted in the bed of the truck in such a way as not to slide out or fall off the truck.

Think about it!

[medcom3]

I worked at E.M.S. and I've treated those individuals who "popped" out of the back of pick up trucks - many were critical.  What a shame!

[tawny]

Florida does have a law prohibiting riding in the back of pick up...  Florida statutes  Title XXIII  Chapter 316. Read through 316.2015 and it covers riding on parts not intended for the use of passengers.

Judi C.