diff --git a/code/modules/vehicles/_vehicle.dm b/code/modules/vehicles/_vehicle.dm
index 3a12e3c2bd..12e9f365d0 100644
--- a/code/modules/vehicles/_vehicle.dm
+++ b/code/modules/vehicles/_vehicle.dm
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@
 		step(trailer, dir_to_move)
 
 /obj/vehicle/bullet_act(obj/item/projectile/Proj) //wrapper
-	if (!enclosed && occupants && !Proj.force_hit && (Proj.def_zone == BODY_ZONE_HEAD || Proj.def_zone == BODY_ZONE_CHEST)) //allows bullets to hit drivers
+	if (!enclosed && length(occupants) && !Proj.force_hit && (Proj.def_zone == BODY_ZONE_HEAD || Proj.def_zone == BODY_ZONE_CHEST)) //allows bullets to hit drivers
 		occupants[1].bullet_act(Proj) // driver dinkage
 		return BULLET_ACT_HIT
 	. = ..()