Should Teen Drivers Be Allowed to Drive Big Rigs?

The trucking industry has been becoming increasingly short on drivers in recent years, which has aided in sparking a change to the legal age of truck drivers in the United States. While legally, big rig drivers have been required to be 21 years of age to cross state lines, earlier this year the US rolled out an apprenticeship program allowing drivers traveling across states to be 18 years old. With safety in mind, what are the risks to allowing teen drivers to drive big rigs and should it be allowed?

Teen Drivers Are More Easily Distracted

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers are more likely to be distracted than other age groups on the road. It has been shown, however, that teens are more easily distracted when other people are in the vehicle, which isn’t likely to be the case while driving a big rig for work. Texting while driving is also a major issue with teen drivers, and the importance of staying fully focused on the road should be discussed in length during training.

Driving a Big Rig is a Huge Responsibility

Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle means taking the lives of other drivers into your hands. Driving a semi-truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds, however, is a massive responsibility. Even the smallest mistake can cause catastrophic damage with that amount of weight traveling at high speeds down the highway. It’s essential that truck drivers fully grasp the responsibility of manning vehicles of that size.

Teens Have Far Less Experience Behind the Wheel

In general, teens have much less experience driving than other age groups. Less experience with defensive driving means they may not be able to respond properly or quickly enough to certain situations on the road. Semi-truck accidents cause roughly 5,000 deaths each year, according to the NHTSA, with 71% of people killed in 2019 being occupants of other vehicles. When it’s already a dangerous situation, putting teens in charge creates even more of a risk. 

Training is of the Utmost Importance

It’s crucial that additional training be required of drivers between the ages of 18 and 20, as they may not even be completely accustomed to being on the road yet. The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program will help teen drivers get the training and hands-on experience needed to allow them to cross state lines as a commercial semi-truck driver. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 can apply to the program.

A Final Note

If you do find yourself in an accident involving a big rig, be sure to reach out for help as soon as you’re able. Having an experienced Grand Rapids truck accident attorney in your corner can make a huge difference in getting the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to find someone you trust to help give you the support you need amid what’s likely to be an incredibly stressful situation.