Should Teenagers Be Driving Tractor Trailers?

A recent transportation bill (the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program) includes laws that would permit drivers at least 18 years of age to drive tractor-trailers across state lines. However, safety advocates are concerned about this new piece of legislation.

As of right now, drivers over 18 years of age can get a commercial license allowing them to drive large trucks in most states. However, this license for new drivers will expire when the person reaches 21 years of age. It means that young drivers can travel long distances in a big rig but can’t travel to closer locations within their state. Representatives are pushing for more regulations for teen truck drivers instead of extending young drivers’ privileges. After all, teen drivers are new to the road, and most of them are not qualified to drive a truck that weighs thousands of pounds.

It is also important to note that some teens who live in rural areas and are used to handling big rigs may be more qualified to drive trucks across state lines. There are several factors to consider regarding teens driving tractor-trailers, but how safe is this practice?

Can Teenage Drivers Be Trusted?

Teens are the segment of society most likely to be in automobile accidents even if they’re driving conventional vehicles. For example, studies indicate that 18-year-old drivers are two to six times more likely to get into a collision than 21-year-old drivers.

It indicates that younger drivers probably shouldn’t be trusted to maneuver a large vehicle. Teen drivers don’t usually have the experience to change lanes or make safe turns in a big rig since they have barely mastered these skills in a small vehicle.

The lifestyle and job expectations of a truck driver also include hard physical labor and grueling hours, and these factors can be hard on a driver who is young and inexperienced. As a result, trucker fatigue is common, and teenagers are more likely to feel the effects of sleep deprivation quicker than an adult. In addition, the brains and bodies of teenagers are still developing, and it is not healthy for them to go extended periods without getting proper rest.

If a teenager in your family has gotten into an accident that involves a tractor-trailer, you need legal representation from the city or state where the accident occurred. For example, you should get a truck accident lawyer based in Kentucky to help you with your case. A lawyer skilled in this area can help you gather pertinent evidence and help you recover a settlement for injuries and damages.

No matter what the new laws say, as parents or legal guardians, it is crucial to ensure that any teenager driving a tractor-trailer is a skilled driver to reduce the chance of accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

How Safe Is Truck Driving In General?

Truck driving is one of the most dangerous and deadliest jobs in America, even for drivers who have years of experience. So, it’s not logical to think that the segment of society most likely to get into car crashes should operate large trucks, especially on a professional level.

Trucking isn’t just dangerous for truck drivers. Accidents that involve trucks are increasing, and often the trucker inflicts harm or fatal injuries onto drivers and passengers in smaller automobiles. This is a situation that adult drivers don’t want to find themselves in, and this scenario could be even more stressful for teenage drivers.

Additional Considerations

There are specific challenges in the trucking industry that include meeting customers’ demands. Truckers are also especially motivated to do well on their jobs to increase their chances of retirement early. As a result, it may prompt truckers to drive quicker than they normally would to meet delivery deadlines or carry more cargo than usual.

However, drivers’ safety on the road can not be compromised for individuals in the trucking industry, regardless of age. This is why teenage drivers are likely not the best candidates for driving tractor-trailers. Young drivers interested in being truck drivers in the future may want to consider specialized training programs that will give them more insight into how to be safe on the road.

With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.