I know these western states are all about libertarianism and deregulation, but sometimes that attitude just defies logic.

One of the first differences I noticed when I moved here from the northeast was that people could legally ride in the beds of pickup trucks, despite the obvious safety concerns. Such riding behavior was outlawed in the northeastern states years ago.

To be fair, there have been efforts in Arizona to outlaw this dangerous activity. Of course, there are still forces in the state legislature that don't want their rights curbed under any circumstances, even when it would save lives.

But if you're hauling cargo instead of people? According to that Star article:

State law prohibits driving a truck on a public road with unsecured cargo in the open bed. But kids? That's OK, it seems.

That's the Arizona legislature for you, always putting property ahead of people.