Are Pick Up Trucks More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles?
Allen Law Firm, P.A. | October 9, 2025 | Information
Pickup trucks are a common sight on Florida’s roads. In areas like Ocala, they’re a popular choice for recreation, work, and family use. Their size, power, and versatility make them appealing; however, these same qualities also raise safety concerns.
Are trucks safer than cars, or are they more dangerous? Here’s everything you need to know about how trucks stack up in terms of overall safety and car accident survivability.
What Makes Pickup Trucks Different From Other Vehicles?
Pickup trucks are larger and heavier than sedans and many SUVs. This creates both advantages and disadvantages in terms of safety. While a truck’s size may offer more protection in certain types of crashes, it can also increase the risk of serious harm to others on the road.
One of the most notable trends is that pickup trucks are becoming larger. According to a Consumer Reports analysis, the average weight of new pickup trucks increased by 24% from 2000 to 2018. The average hood height increased by 11% during that same span. Some new trucks have a hood height of 55” above the ground, which makes them as tall as the roof of many passenger cars.
Are Pickup Trucks Safe?
Pickup trucks can perform well in collisions with smaller vehicles, but they’re still susceptible to rollovers due to their height and weight. The rigid frames could also increase the risk of certain injuries during a collision. Even so, pickups tend to perform better in multi-vehicle crashes compared to sedans.
However, pickup trucks may pose a danger to others, especially pedestrians. Their increasing size and hood height create additional blind spots for pedestrians. If a truck isn’t equipped with blind-spot-monitoring equipment, there’s a chance that the driver might not see a pedestrian crossing their path until it’s too late.
Are Trucks Safer Than Cars?
Overall, the height, weight, and size of trucks make them safer than cars in most types of collisions. However, the same attributes that protect drivers can make collisions deadlier for those in smaller vehicles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
Being involved in a truck accident can still be dangerous and lead to lasting injuries for you and your passengers. Therefore, practicing defensive driving and maintaining awareness are vital while on the road.
Truck Vs. SUV Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives SUVs more favorable overall safety ratings than trucks. Based on this information, trucks may not offer as much protection and survivability in accidents as similarly sized SUVs.
That being said, there are many variables at play. When analyzing the effects and outcomes of auto accidents, the following factors must be considered:
- Year, make, and model
- Optional add-ons
- Safety features
- Vehicle weight
- Manner of impact (e.g., sideswipe, rear-end, T-bone)
SUVs are generally designed with passenger comfort and family use in mind. As a result, many tend to feature more advanced crash-avoidance technologies. By contrast, pickup trucks may lack certain safety features unless you opt for a higher trim level.
So while SUVs aren’t always safer, some important design trade-offs may provide better protection in a crash scenario.
Should You Buy A Pickup Truck?
Pickup trucks aren’t inherently safe or unsafe for drivers and passengers, but their size, weight, and design features can make them more dangerous to others on the road.
When thinking about whether to buy a pickup truck, you should focus on what you’ll be using the vehicle for. If you need the specific capabilities a truck can provide, opting for a model with crash-avoidance features can help keep you and everyone around you safe.
Contact Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With An Ocala Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck or pickup accident in Ocala, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights, investigate your crash, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Call Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an Ocala truck accident attorney. We only get paid if we win your case.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652