Kids in Cabs – Bringing Children Along for the Ride

The question of whether children should be allowed to ride in truck cabs sparks strong opinions on both sides of the debate. Some trucking companies encourage it, seeing it as an opportunity for family bonding and a potential pathway to the next generation of drivers. Others strictly prohibit it due to safety concerns and contractual obligations.

In New Zealand, the Land Transport Act 1998 and associated road safety regulations do not explicitly ban children from being in a truck cab. However, safety laws regarding child restraints can make it difficult in practice. Any child riding in a vehicle must be properly secured in an approved child restraint or seatbelt appropriate for their age and size. Many trucks are not designed to accommodate these requirements, raising questions about compliance and safety.

Safety and Industry Standards

Certain high-risk industries, such as forestry, ports, sawmills, fertiliser spreading, warehousing, factories, and oil and gas production sites, generally prohibit children from being in truck cabs. The risks associated with these environments—such as exposure to heavy machinery, unpredictable terrain, and fast-paced operations—make it unsafe to have passengers who may not fully understand or be able to react quickly to hazards.

Trucking companies contracting to these industries are often required to comply with the operating company’s health and safety policies (including site inductions). This includes ensuring that children are not permitted in cabs while working on or delivering to these sites. To maintain compliance, transport providers should align their internal policies and employment agreements with these requirements, making the rules clear to all drivers.

The Family Perspective

On the other hand, many family-run trucking businesses, both in short and long-haul transport, advocate for allowing children in cabs. They see it as an opportunity for parents and children to spend valuable time together, particularly when a parent is away for extended periods. Some industry supporters argue that having children onboard may even encourage safer driving, as drivers are more conscious of their “precious cargo”.

Additionally, permitting children in cabs could inspire young people to pursue careers in trucking. With driver shortages becoming an increasing concern, encouraging early exposure to the industry may help sustain its future workforce.

Key Considerations for Allowing Kids in Cabs

For trucking companies or owner-operators considering whether to allow children in cabs, the decision should be weighed against several key factors:

1.         Type of Work and Risk Factors – Consider whether the trucking work involves hazardous conditions or high-risk sites where children could be exposed to safety hazards.

2.         Legal and Safety Compliance – Ensure that the truck’s seating configuration can accommodate approved child restraints or seatbelts suitable for the child’s age and size. If proper restraints are not available, it is not lawful or safe to allow the child to ride in the cab.

3.         Trip Length and Logistics – Long-haul trips may pose additional challenges, such as the availability of rest stops, toilet facilities, and the overall comfort of the child.

4.         Company Culture and Values – A company’s stance on work-life balance and family inclusion should be reflected in its policies. Family-friendly businesses may find ways to safely integrate children into the work environment, while others may prioritise strict operational safety.

5.         Contractual Obligations – Transport Operators should review contracts with their clients to determine whether principal companies prohibit passengers in truck cabs. Non-compliance with these agreements could lead to contractual breaches and/or reputational risks.

Best Practices for Safe Travel

If a trucking company chooses to allow children in cabs, strict safety protocols and a company policy should be in place for all drivers to know what the expectations are. These include:

•  Ensuring that all child passengers use approved safety restraints.
• Restricting cab access when operating in high-risk environments.
• Implementing clear policies on trip lengths, rest breaks, and supervision.
• Educating drivers on additional safety precautions when carrying child passengers.

In Summary

The question of whether children should be allowed in truck cabs is not a straightforward one. While there are clear benefits, particularly for family-run businesses, safety must always come first. Companies must balance their values, legal obligations and contractual commitments when forming policies around this issue.

For those Transport Operators who decide to permit children in cabs, compliance with child restraint legislation and industry best practice is essential. Ultimately, safety should be the guiding principle in every decision made on the road.

  For more information or advice regarding kids in cabs or policies to support your company’s stance, call the SBS team now on Freephone (0508) 424 723 or email info@safebusiness.co.nz.