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Is it safer to drive a pickup or a car?

On Behalf of | Mar 2, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

If you’re debating what type of vehicle to buy, you can find vehicles in all classes — cars, trucks, SUVs, etc — that get excellent crash test ratings and that have all of the newest safety features.

But is there anything inherent to these vehicles that would make one safer than the other? 

The pickup is a clear winner

Based simply on physics, the pickup truck is a clear winner. Most pickups weigh more than cars. Thus, in a crash, a smaller and lighter vehicle will suffer heavier damage and get pushed backward. Those in the vehicles will feel the difference. People in a truck may have less serious injuries. 

Height also plays a role. A pickup is taller and takes most of the impact on the front of the vehicle. Some low cars allow larger vehicles to roll up over them, meaning that the front window and the passenger compartment take the impact. That’s more dangerous for those inside the vehicle. 

This isn’t to say that all trucks are safer. You could certainly find an outdated pickup from the ‘70s that is far more dangerous than a brand new car. But, if all other factors are equal, you’re going to be safer in a truck if someone else hits you. 

You can still get injured in any vehicle

Of course, just being safer doesn’t mean you won’t get injured in a crash. You can. It may also just mean you suffer serious injuries when you wouldn’t have even survived the crash in a car. That’s a positive, but it still means you need to know what options you have to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. An attorney can advocate for your rights against the insurance companies.