Could the Trucker Shortage in the U.S. Lead to More Truck Accidents?

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CANTON, Texas. According to the New York Times, the trucking industry continues to face a shortage of approximately 50,000 drivers. Business Insider reports that some companies are offering truck drivers bonuses as high as $20,000 to sign up. In an effort to increase the number of drivers, the trucking industry has made a push to bring in minority and women drivers. This is great news for diversity. Yet, the trucking industry has also been looking to another group of drivers that could spell big trouble for the trucking industry—teenagers.

Teen drivers have less experience and are known to face higher insurance rates because insurance companies see them as an increased risk. Teen drivers simply don’t have the years of experience that older drivers have. Furthermore, the teen brain is developing. Researchers estimate that it isn’t until the early twenties that a young adult’s brain has developed fully to be able to process risk. This can impact the decisions that teen drivers may make when driving. It’s one thing for a teen to be in a crash involving a passenger vehicle. It is another matter entirely for a teen driver to be involved in a crash with a semi-truck. The risks to other drivers on the road are immense.

Yet, in one pilot program, drivers under 21 years of age may be permitted to drive a truck if they have military training.

Given the truck driver shortage, the truck industry has also been lobbying for a relaxation of regulations. Some of the proposed regulations that the industry wants to eliminate would have increased safety. The proposed rules include putting strict caps on speed limits and increasing screenings of drivers for sleep apnea.

Why is there a trucking shortage? Part of the issue has to do with the fact that younger people are not gravitating to the industry. Many prefer to stay near home. Another issue has to do with the fact that wages haven’t quite kept up. While trucking wages continue to rise, they have not caught up with inflation. According to the New York Times, the average trucker’s pay in 1980 was approximately $55,000 in U.S. dollars. Today, the average trucker’s pay is just $44,000. When you consider the time a trucker spends away from home, the cost of the lifestyle on health and social life, the money doesn’t seem to be keeping up.

When truckers choose to become independent contractors, they can often lose out, some even owing money to the trucking companies. Yet, when trucking companies hire truckers as independent contractors, they often do so to avoid liability should a truck driver get into an accident. This can create added problems for individuals who are hurt due to a truck driver’s mistakes behind the wheel.

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, there may be many moving parts, and many responsible parties. Truck drivers may be responsible for the crash, but truck companies and shipping companies may also have a role to play. The Cooper Law Firm is a truck accident law firm in Canton, Texas who work with victims and families, helping them get the compensation they may deserve following a crash. For example, you and your family may be entitled to receive compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more about your rights and options under the law.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037

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