Do You Think Teenagers Should Be Allowed To Drive Semi Trucks?

[enzo1]

Because we all know teens are the safest drivers out there. As of right now, US regulations state that semi truck drivers must be at least 21 years of age. Driving commercial trucks across state lines obviously requires responsibility and maturity. But that age limit may soon change. The Associated Press has brought to attention a new bill that "would allow contiguous states that join together in 'compacts' to drop the age threshold to 18 for interstate trips. There is no limit on the number of states that could join the compacts." Interesting, but there's more:

After four years, the Transportation secretary would need to issue a report to Congress as to whether or not teen truck drivers have "an equivalent level of safety" when compared to older truck drivers. Is this bill a good idea? The AP further noted that, according to the Transportation Department’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2013, "all drivers ages 18-20 had a fatal crash involvement rate, per 100,000 licensed drivers, that was 66 percent higher than drivers who were age 21 years or older." Knowing that, why has this age change been proposed? The trucking industry is short of drivers by roughly 35,000 to 40,000.
Basically, more drivers are retiring and/or leaving the industry than being replaced. These trucking companies need to hire around "100,000 new drivers a year over the next decade in order to keep pace with the country’s freight needs." Do you think teenage semi truck drivers are a good idea?

[URY914]

No.

[GH85Carrera]

I really think it is a dumb idea. We have all met a 18 year old that is mature beyond their actual age. However we all remember being 18. In hindsight I will admit to a few poor decisions at that age.

I do indeed understand that many of the front line military troops are 19 or 20 and they operate complex vehicles of all sorts. BUT they had extensive and very expensive training unequaled at any school.

[HardDrive]

I drove a straight truck (like the biggest trucks u haul or Penske offers) when I was 17. Drove them all summer. Nope, no CDL. Did I do it safely? Yes. Was it a good idea? No.

[herr_oberst]

Not just no, but hell no.

[Rikao4]

No...
but if you encountered what OTR drivers do daily...
many folks shouldn't drive period..
myself would advocate spending a day with one for all new drivers..

Rika

[vash]

depends on the teenager.

i know adults that shouldnt EVER drive a big-rig.

[pete3799]

No way. Hiring kids is not the answer.

Trucking today is a joke. After 36 years of it I've had enough. They think they have a driver shortage now......just wait.

Several small fleets here locally have plenty of trucks but nobody to drive them as they don't want to put up with the regulatory BS that goes along with the job. A computer beeps and says you have 1/2 an hour to find a parking spot for the night.........I don't think so.....

[Joe Bob]

I couldn't find my ass with both hands until I was 27.....HELL NO.

[legion]

Whose going to pay for an 18-year-old to get a CDL?

I don't know what it is in other states, but in Illinois it was $8,000 and 4 weeks of full-time instruction to get a CDL.

[aap1966]

In WWII, teens flew Spitfires.

[GWN7]

In farm areas kids 15 can get their licence. They can drive farm equipment which includes semi's.

[A930Rocket]

In SC, 15 year olds can get their licenses, but I think an 18 year old with a CDL is crazy talk.

[Danimal16]

Funny, I know a lot of EOs in the Seabees that do a fine job. Seen a few soldiers, airmen and Marines too!

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by enzo1

proposed? The trucking industry is short of drivers by roughly 35,000 to 40,000.
Basically, more drivers are retiring and/or leaving the industry than being replaced. These trucking companies need to hire around "100,000 new drivers a year over the next decade in order to keep pace with the country’s freight needs." Do you think teenage semi truck drivers are a good idea?

I keep hearing there no jobs?

18 year old kids drive in race cars. Not all 18 year old kids of course.

Must be a ***** to be 18. Can't smoke, drink or drive a truck. Are considered an adult and get sex offenses for banging their 17 year girlfriend. Can be sent to die for the country and, bygosh, vote.

We're ****ed as a society.

[Don Ro]

When I was 12 & 13 I drove a single axle grain truck from the fields to the granary in town (10 miles or so) during harvest time in North Dakota.
At 14 I drove a tandem axle rig similar to the one below.
But farm kids >have to< learn early and are usually taught stringently!!!
Off hand I'd say 'no' to your Q. Not in this present day culture.
.
Note: Didn't get my DL until I was 17.
.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by pete3799

No way. Hiring kids is not the answer.

Trucking today is a joke. After 36 years of it I've had enough. They think they have a driver shortage now......just wait.

Several small fleets here locally have plenty of trucks but nobody to drive them as they don't want to put up with the regulatory BS that goes along with the job. A computer beeps and says you have 1/2 an hour to find a parking spot for the night.........I don't think so.....

Exactly. A better way to address the shortage is to cut the red tape in half, and give truck drivers a tax break. End of shortage.

[URY914]

You guys really want a 18 yo kid driving a 18 wheeler while sexting his girlfriend, taking selfies to post on Reddit and looking at the GPS as he rolls into Atlanta/Chicago/LA at rush hour?

[herr_oberst]

Okay, so here is my question.

Is there a way to cut the MC jacket without the special cutter that the pros use?

[saxen]

nope,
they are better off defending this country and putting their lives at risk over seas.....

but really, I would rather it stay at 21