09/03/2015 // JusticeNewsFlash // (press release)
Washington – A new Senate measure that would change the age requirement for individuals to legally drive big rigs across state lines has sparked controversy. As reported by NPR.org, some transportation safety advocates say the idea of lowering the age to 18 could lead to more accidents.
Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, has stated of the issue “They want to allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds to drive big trucks. This is a terrible idea, and it will result in more crashes, more deaths and more injuries.”
Gillan asserts that persons who are 18 have a higher likelihood of crashing vehicles of all types and the risks would remain if they were allowed to be interstate truckers further stating, “Drivers between the ages of 18 to 20 have four to six times higher rates of fatal crashes.”
Those in support of the idea say that since most states already allow drivers who are 18 to drive tractor-trailers within state lines, they should be able to haul long distances as well.
Congress is set to resume talks about the issue following the end of the summer recess.
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