Until now, the legal age to drive trucks for interstate supplies was 21 years old, but now an apprenticeship program launched that allows 18-year-olds to become truck drivers to combat rising supply chain issues in the state.
Shortage Of Truck Drivers
The federal motor carrier safety administration put forward the program, and it would allow 18, 19, and 20 years olds to drive big rigs across state lines under observation.
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Since the US is facing pile-ups of ports and a lack of truck drivers, the American Trucking Association supports the decision as a way to deal with the shortage of drivers. As the demand for freight is reaching historic heights, there is a shortage of at least 80,000 drivers. Therefore to overcome this shortage, the US Department of Transportation and the US Department of Labor is launching apprenticeship pilot programs. Congress established this program as a part of an infrastructure bill. It requires FMCSA, which is part of the transportation department, to start the program within 60 days of becoming law.
Measures Taken To Ensure Safety
This program will ensure young drivers meet strict safety measures to avoid crashes, traffic tickets, and other traffic violations. The younger drivers can drive across state lines during 120 hours and 280 hours probationary periods, along with an experienced driver in the passenger seat with a speed limit of 65mph. To further ensure safety, apprentice drivers are not allowed to carry passengers hazardous materials or drive double or triple trailers or cargo tank vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will accept 3,000 apprentices to the program at one time. Drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked, or have any history of traffic rules violations will not be accepted in the program.
Trucks provided in this program must be equipped with crash-avoiding technologies like electronic braking crash mitigation systems and forward-facing video cameras. After completing the probationary period, the apprentice will be allowed to drive independently, but their performance will be monitored until they reach the age of 21.
Estimated Risks With The Launch Of This New Program
The program will last for three years. The motor carrier agency has to present a report to the congress analyzing the teen drivers’ safety record and recommend whether young drivers are as safe as those older than 21.
Nick Geale, vice president of workforce safety for trucking associations, said, This program creates a rigorous safety training program, requiring an additional 400 hours of advanced safety training. Participants are evaluated against specific performance benchmarks.” The Biden administration sets this program to ensure the trucker shortage and meet the needs of growing freight demand.
Some experts are concerned that young drivers have a higher crash risk despite all safety measures.
“This is no surprise to any American who drives a vehicle,” said Peter Kurdock, general counsel for highway and auto safety advocates. He warned that putting young drivers behind the wheel that can weigh up to 40 tons when loaded increases the possibility of mass casualty crashes. He also accused the trucking company of taking advantage of the bill to get young drivers as it has wanted for years.
The FMCSA has announced plans to expand this program and launch studies to improve truck driver issues like pay and licensing.
New truck drivers who have questions about their duties under federal law, can seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney. If you drive a commercial vehicle or operate a tractor-trailer, it is best to understand your rights and responsibilities. This is the best way to protect yourself as you enter a new career.
