Since 2017, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been crash-testing modern two-row pickup trucks for both passenger and driver safety. Previously, it focused solely on driver safety. Florida residents should know that out of 10 pickups analyzed, eight received the highest rating of “good” for driver safety. Two, the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Frontier, received a rating of “marginal.” These results are outstanding when compared to passenger safety.
It turns out that passengers are more likely to suffer injury or death in these newer pickups than drivers are. Out of the same 10 pickups, only three had “good” performance: the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan. Below those models were two, the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline, that were deemed “acceptable.”
Five vehicles scored “marginal.” One was the Nissan Frontier, and all the others were General Motors vehicles: the GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Lastly, the Toyota Tundra scored the lowest of all with a “poor” rating. IIHS researchers noted that it struggles to maintain its structure during crash tests.
Unlike other pickups, which have undergone recent overhauls, the Tundra has not had a major redesign since 2014. Thus, it may not be surprising that this aging vehicle would receive the score it did. However, the fact remains that passenger safety is, on the whole, being compromised.
Many auto accidents involve passengers who may sustain an injury at the hands of the driver with whom they were riding. In such cases, victims may file a claim against that driver’s auto insurance company. It must be shown that they sustained some sort of permanent injury because Florida is a no-fault state with limitations on who can file personal injury claims. Victims may want a lawyer to evaluate the case beforehand, hiring him or her for negotiations.
