The plan to lower the age requirements was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that was proposed in June 2021, which introduced a few new trucking regulations. In addition to this bill delegating billions to repair bridges, railways, roads, and invest in electric vehicles, the age reduction push was also included.

As a whole, the trucking industry is in full support of this plan, as is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which proposed the same considerations in 2019. Of course, this new ruling has raised concerns as critics cite the 2019 report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which concluded that drivers under the age of 20 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. Add to that the fact that these young drivers will now be allowed to drive 20-ton trucks, and safety groups are quite opposed.

On the flip side, the new pilot driving program is designed to ensure new drivers complete more in-depth training as well as complete hundreds of hours of on-duty driving time while accompanied by a vetted driver.

So, why was the age lowered? One of the main reasons for this change is to address the major driver shortage that trucking companies have been facing. By lowering the age requirements, the talent pool is greatly broadened. It makes it possible for 18-year-old high school graduates to choose a career in truck driving rather than waiting until the age of 21.

Nevertheless, safety groups argue that rather than lowering the age, it would be more beneficial to improve conditions for truck drivers. For example, why not improve benefits packages and revamp salaries that account for circumstances outside of the driver’s control, such as loading times, delays, and weather issues.

In lieu of paying per mile, consider the long 60-70 hours per week that truckers are away from home. Other suggestions include increasing the number of parking spots, as this is already an issue even with the driver shortage. As a result, truckers stop their workday early in an attempt to secure a parking space for a restful and safe night’s sleep.

Additionally, consider improving working conditions in a way that will attract more female drivers, as they still only make up a mere 7% of drivers, yet females generally drive safer and have fewer accidents. All in all, these are all changes trucking companies should consider to help fight the driver shortage regardless of new age requirements.

Another factor that contributed to the age reduction is that the military already allows drivers between the age of 18 and 20 to engage in long-haul routes. While lots of focus has been placed on safety concerns related to younger drivers, extensive training of the FMCSA pilot program should address such issues.

When HuffPost asked Sen. Jon Tester for a response on the safety argument, he pointed out the pilot training program that will be required of the new young drivers, which will prepare drivers much better than the current driving schools. Tester also pointed out that overall, younger adults have a better reaction time, which is another safety advantage.

As with anything, there are pros and cons, but Bill Sullivan of the American Trucking Association shared with the Washington Post that trucking companies see this as a great opportunity. “The reason that we want to reach people at the beginning of their work life is so we can present a career in trucking that can support their life and career over a longer period of time.”

Sullivan also added that another benefit of attracting young adults, even as early as high school graduation, they have the opportunity to get accustomed to the truck driver lifestyle before enduring the strains of family life, as is the case with most people who transition to truck driving in their 30s.

Without a doubt, seasoned truckers know that long-haul driving is a lifestyle rather than simply a job. Being away from loved ones for extended periods of time, spending many hours a day on the road completely alone, and encountering an array of challenges traveling between the states all requires a strong, independent individual. Many in the past have considered these challenges and components inappropriate for young drivers.

Current laws restrict drivers under 21 to only drive within state lines, but further discrepancies exist. For instance, a Texas driver is allowed to drive more than 700 miles within the large state of Texas but prohibited from driving a shorter route in another state. How much sense does that make?

With all these things considered, based on statistics of increased risks of younger drivers along with the fact that insurance rates are set based on age and experience, it’s likely that the DRIVE-Safe Act will receive some revisions prior to final approval.

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