Proposed Bill to Lower Age for Truckers
May 16, 2018
A proposed bill has been sent to Congress that, if approved, would allow the minimum age requirement for commercial truck drivers to be lowered to 18 years old. A number of trucking organizations are opposed to the bill, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), who have said that the bill would compromise road safety, as well as the safety of professional drivers who are new to the industry. The main concern of those who oppose the bill is that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal truck accidents.
In addition to the OOIDA, some of the nation’s leading public health organizations, consumers, and truck drivers believe that the new bill will be detrimental to the safety of truck drivers and other motorists. Of particular concern are two legislative proposals that would allow teenagers to operate massive 18-wheelers. In a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, trucking officials pointed out that CMV drivers who are under the age of 19 are four times more likely to be in a fatal car accident, and CMV drivers who are 19 to 20 years old are six times more likely to be in a fatal truck accident.
Address the High Turnover Rate by Improving Conditions
According to the acting president of OOIDA, one of the main issues in the trucking industry is the high rate of turnover. However, putting young drivers behind the wheel does not address this issue. Instead, he feels the industry should be looking at ways to improve working conditions and provide better salaries to retain the older, more mature truck drivers who have more experience.
This proposed bill is not the first time an attempt has been made to lower the driving age for truckers. In 2001, there was an attempt to lower the driving age to 18, but that attempt failed. This latest attempt to lower the driving age is simply a way to employ young drivers at the lowest possible wage, said OOIDA’s acting president.
However, supporters of the bill say that it offers young Americans an opportunity to receive a salary, benefits, and a stable job. In addition, by working as a truck driver, they will be part of an industry that has an important role in supporting the domestic economy.
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating types of wrecks, often resulting in massive property damage and severe, sometimes fatal injuries. Truck drivers need to be trained on how to properly and safely operate a commercial truck, including the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as distracted and drowsy driving.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Truck Accidents
If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating these types of accidents can be and the damage they can cause. Our dedicated team will investigate the details of your case and obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
