With the reintroduction of the "Drive Safe Act" in the United States Senate two weeks back, the debate has reignited over a push among some trucking constituencies, notably the American Trucking Associations' fleet membership, to allow an option for under-21 CDL holders to drive interstate. With limits, of course. The Act itself would impose driver-assist and monitoring technologies on anyone participating in the program, likewise a kind of graduation program with a time requirement for a formal apprenticeship with an over-21 driver who has logged at least a couple years of experience.
Weigh in via the poll with your thoughts on whether such an option is a good idea or not, and below find further reading on efforts to introduce similar programs via regulatory pilot programs and prior legislation as well.
[Related: OOIDA joined safety groups opposing a similar under-21 move in 2018, just as it does the current one]
[Related: When OOIDA offered muted support for under-21 proposal with respect to military vets]
[Related: Data, not hunches, should clarify safety prospects for younger drivers]
[Related: 18-20-year-old interstate drivers? Answering FMCSA's questions]
[Related: Modest proposal -- outlining a federal, graduated CDL]
[Related: How to engage potential drivers who are slipping away]
