Lawmakers consider restricting pickup bed riding

RALEIGH — A House panel is considering a plan to further restrict riding in open pickup truck beds.

A House judiciary committee is scheduled Tuesday to discuss a bill to prohibit anyone under age 16 from riding in the flatbed of a pickup truck. Current law allows children as young as 12 to ride in the area without a seat belt.

The bill also would remove a loophole that allows passengers of any age to ride in the cargo areas if they’re being driven in a rural area.

The plan has already been approved by another committee that studies child and family issues. It needs the approval of both the House and the Senate before it can be sent to Gov. Mike Easley’s desk for his signature.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)