CEO DATELINE - Trade groups clash on lowering age requirement for truck drivers
CEO DATELINE - Trade groups clash on lowering age requirement for truck drivers
- April 19, 2018 |
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Walt Williams
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Two associations are pushing for federal legislation to lower the legal age for truck drivers on interstate highways, but groups representing independent drivers and public health experts argue that would be a bad idea.
Currently, drivers must be 21 before they can apply for a commercial drivers license to use on interstate highways. The International Food Service Association and American Trucking Associations are backing a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would lower the age to 18 provided drivers first complete a two-step program.
"This is a common-sense proposal that will open enormous opportunities for the 18-21 year-old population, giving them access to a high-paying profession free of the debt burden that comes with a four-year degree," ATA CEO Chris Spear said. "Moreover, this bill would strengthen training programs beyond current requirements to ensure safety and that drivers are best prepared." https://tinyurl.com/y8hvgmar
However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association argues lowering the age limit poses a safety risk. The group represents independent drivers who allege that large trucking companies—such as the ones represented by ATA—simply want younger drivers because they earn less pay.
In a letter to House lawmakers, OOIDA was joined by the American Public Health Association and several road safety and consumer groups in arguing that younger drivers have less experience and therefore would be less safe on highways. Commercial driver licenses already are available to people younger than 18 who do not use interstate highways, and those drivers are four-to-six times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, the groups said.
"We think it's irresponsible to put young drivers behind the wheel of a truck in order to avoid addressing the real problems of high turnover," said Todd Spencer, acting president of OOIDA."The focus should instead be on fixing the staggering turnover rate with better pay and working conditions." https://tinyurl.com/ybj74d67
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