Florida State Center Wiki: Special Considerations For Pick Up Trucks And Safety Belts From The Florida Highway Patrol

Special Considerations For Pick Up Trucks and Safety Belts From The Florida Highway Patrol

Special Considerations for Pick Up Trucks

Pickup trucks with passenger airbags and no "shut-off" switch and no back seat cannot safely transport babies under 1 YOA. Babies this age must ride rear-facing and always in the back seat; the front may only be used if there is no danger from an airbag.
If there is an airbag "shut-off" switch, read the pickup truck owner's book for instructions.
Extended cab pickups with side-facing jump seats are NOT appropriate for children, or adults for that matter, to ride. Safety belts do not provide good protection in these seats. Safety seats CANNOT be installed.
Extended cab pickups with rear bench seats may be appropriate. Make sure almost the entire base of the safety seat fits on the vehicle seat. Make sure a rear-facing seat will fit when reclined half-way back.
Even when a forward-facing safety seat is installed tightly with the safety belt, a child's head could hit the front seat in a crash. A tether strap is recommended. Check the safety seat instructions and the vehicle owner's book.
Never allow anyone to ride in the bed of a pickup. Riding this way can cause serious injury or death even if there is a shell or topper attached. It is also dangerous with a topper because carbon monoxide fumes can kill a person.

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Daily Fact

On September 28, 1998, Hurricane Georges ravaged several communities and areas along the Gulf Coast, from the Florida Keys to Louisiana, and from Biloxi, Mississippi, to Mobile, Alabama.

Source: Louisiana State Center