EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY
ATTORNEYS IN ATLANTA
Under federal law, no person under the age of 21 may haul commercial freight across state lines. While some states will grant commercial vehicle licenses to persons over the age of 18, this federal law reduces the risks of having a young, inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a loaded, long-haul tractor trailer truck.
The most recent highway funding bill in Congress proposes to reduce the age requirements to either 18 or 19 years old. The American Trucking Association is a group that often advocates in the legislature on behalf of trucking companies. This organization and many trucking companies are pushing to reduce this age requirement in order to have access to more driver candidates.
What's at stake?
Numerous highway safety groups oppose this legislation citing an increased risk of accidents by younger, less careful drivers. In short, the trucking companies are putting profit ahead of safety. It's a slippery slope that does not end well for innocent victims of trucking accident. What's next? 16 year old truck drivers? The judgment and experience level of a person under the age of 21 is just not fully developed and the Georgia drivers may be at risk of more trucking accidents because of this possible law.
Attorneys Jason Ferguson and James Paisley have represented countless victims of trucking accidents and the facts are usually the same - a horrible impact and severe injuries. We oppose this legislation and encourage all of our friends and former clients to contact your Congressmen or Senator and make your position known on this issue.
As always, if you or a loved one have been injured by a big truck, please do not hesitate to call us.
James Paisley is a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA, and managing partner at Ferguson & Paisley, L.L.C. He fights for victim's rights when they are hurt due to someone's negligence. Call him directly at 404.618.0960.