While the popularity of pickup trucks may be evident to today’s motorists, just who is behind the wheels of those trucks may come as a surprise. According to a recent study from MaritzCX, covering the 2016 model year, more people from affluent families are opting for pickup trucks than economy cars.
The Ford F-150 was the most popular vehicle among households earning more than $200,000 a year. Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot and Jeep Wrangler were also tops among high-income Americans.
Other factors also may be contributing to the popularity of pickup trucks. A survey from Insure.com asked 2,000 licensed drivers ages 18 and up to rank the kinds of vehicles driven by the most attractive members of the opposite sex. The survey found that women prefer drivers of black pickup trucks.
Motorists who have never before driven pickup trucks but are mulling whether or not to join the truck-loving masses can consider a host of factors as they begin looking for trucks.
- Size: Pickups are larger than many other vehicles and tend to be heavier. As a result, when driving a pickup, leave more space for braking and do not tailgate. ¥ Blind spots: Because pickup trucks are longer than cars, they may have larger blind spots. Drivers should adjust the mirrors to diminish as much of their blind spots as possible. Also, give ample notice when changing lanes or making turns.
- Reverse: Upon purchasing a pickup, first-time truck owners may benefit from practicing driving in reverse so they can grow accustomed to doing so in a truck.
- Hauling gear: Be sure to properly restrain items that are hauled in the pickup truck bed, or invest in a bed cover so nothing is lost and safety is not compromised.
- Inclement weather driving: Pickup trucks have very little weight in the back when their beds are empty. This can cause trucks to fishtail on wet or snowy roads. Alleviate this by placing some sandbags in truck beds before driving in poor weather.
Pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles on the road, but drivers may need to alter their driving habits when operating them.
About the Author