I found the secret to Rat Patrol riding safety. Start up near the cab if you're sitting in the back. As long as he keeps it below 70 when hitting the bumps... you'll always land before reaching the tailgate. "USUALLY" there's enough time to claw your way back to the front of the bed before he hits the next crater.

We were running a little late... he slowed it down on the way back to the barn. I'm not sure if he was being nice or his night vision was screwed up.[8D][&:]