Doctor wants statewide ban on riding in the back of pickups

One of the backers of an ordinance in the Quad Cities banning passengers in the backs of pickups wants to continue the push to make it a statewide law. The ordinance was passed in the Quad Cities after a child who had been riding in a truck was thrown out and rolled over. Dr. Joseph Lohmuller believes people’s attitudes are changing on the issue.He says people are now accepting the idea that we need stronger regulations when they can prevent someone’s death. He cites tougher drunk driving laws as an example. Lohmuller doesn’t know of any other cities that’ve passed such an ordinance, but would rather see an overall approach with a statewide law to make it consistent across the state. An attempt to pass a law in the legislature last year failed. Lohmuller says the Quad Cities ordinance makes exceptions for people who have to ride in the back of their trucks for their jobs. Lohmuller says the ordinances shouldn’t interfere with people’s ability to make a living. He says another acceptable exception allows people to ride in the back of trucks for parades. Two kids died recently in Des Moines after falling out of the back of a truck driven by their uncle. Lohmuller says it’s another example of the danger involved.He says the routine regular use of the pickup truck bed for passengers is not safe. Lohmuller spoke at a recent conference on child safety in Des Moines.