Below is a news release of a policy statement published in the October issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

CHICAGO-The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released an updated policy statement designed to prevent injuries associated with children riding in the back of pickup trucks.

Citing the most recent statistics available, the AAP statement says that in 1997, 161 passengers died as a result of riding in the cargo area; 77 (48 percent) were children and adolescents younger than 20 years old. Of these passengers, 7 (9 percent) were younger than five years of age; 15 (19) percent were five- to nine-years of age; 14 (18 percent) were 10- through 14-years of age; and 41 (53 percent) were 15- through 19-years of age.

The statement noted that pickup trucks have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation. In 1998, registration numbered 36.2 million, representing 17 percent of registered motor vehicles in the United States. Census data for 1992 indicated that 73 percent of pickup trucks were used for personal transportation.

Despite those statistics, only one state fully prohibits travel in cargo areas. Fewer than 50 percent of US states restrict transporting passengers in the cargo area, and no two states have identical laws. Restrictions in other states vary according to age groups, conditions of travel (eg, if restrained), and presence of an enclosed cargo area.

In addition to prohibiting travel in the cargo area, using age-appropriate car safety seats in an appropriate seat in the cab can also reduce childhood deaths and injuries in pickup trucks. The statement also suggests teenagers should not ride or transport others in the cargo area.