Risks of Reducing the Interstate CDL Age Limit
Earlier this week, we published a blog post outlining a a new bill Congress is considering that would allow drivers as young as 18 to travel the nation's interstates. We also posed the question to Truckers Service Association's (TSA) Facebook page and allowed truckers across the country to voice their thoughts and opinions on the proposed legislation. After hearing your responses, we asked TrueNorth's insurance experts for their perspective.
Here is what TrueNorth's Transportation Team had to say about reducing the age limit for interstate travel with a Commercial Drivers License:
There is no doubt that lowering the interstate CDL age limit for professional drivers would solve some of the issues facing the trucking industry - especially with regard to driver retention and recruitment. As the majority of today's truck drivers near retirement, there is a void of young men and women entering the industry to fill their shoes. Lowering the age requirement for an interstate CDL could attract young drivers to the industry.
All the data proves that young drivers are more prone to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. Based on the data, if the interstate CDL age were reduced, there would be a significant increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes. The facts are simple: statistically, younger drivers experience more accidents. To offset this, if lawmakers decide to lower the interstate CDL age, the industry will need to make an effort to better prepare and train the younger in-coming drivers for the road ahead.
Bert answered the following questions based on the comments left on our Facebook page:
1. What are the current risks associated with insuring a young/inexperienced truck driver? How would reducing the age for interstate travel to 18 change the present outlook regarding these risk?
There is no doubt that lowering the interstate CDL age limit will only increase the number of large truck accidents, as I've referenced using the data I cited above.
2. As a general rule, what role does experience play in insuring an interstate haul for a truck driver? (i.e., how much time would you allot, if any, for drivers under the legal age to shadow older, more experienced drivers? Do you see a benefit to reducing the number of hours these truckers are allowed to log? What about time of day?)
The Professional Truck Driving Institute (PDTI) has already set some fairly comprehensive standards that most of the industry accepts. It is not a requirement, so many drivers get through non-PDTI schools.
3. What advice would you share with lawmakers tasked with making the decision to introduce this new legislation?
Consider removing some of the burdensome restrictions around the intrastate operation. This would allow more opportunity for younger drivers to enter the industry and earn the experience they need.
4. What advice would you share with an 18 year-old interested in pursuing a career in interstate trucking?
Most states issue intrastate CDLs at age 18. Finding an opportunity with a motor carrier where you can operate within the intrastate requirements would be a great way to get started in your career.
Growing up as a local farm kid, I feel it provided an advantage and experience before jumping in a truck last week to drive for the first time (part of Kirkwood' Community College's "Day in the Life of a Driver"). As a young kid, I was able to learn how to properly back and drive large equipment and trailers. I feel without this experience, it will increase the frequency and possible severity of accidents for younger drivers.
-Matt Rathje, Senior Claims Advocate
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