President's Message

The safety of the traveling public has been a cornerstone of AAA since its inception back in 1902. Even today, AAA voices this safety message whenever new challenges face our transportation system. AAA has recently expressed its concerns to the Administration and Congress about a proposed pilot project that would allow younger truck drivers on our roadways.

AAA, along with a coalition of concerned safety partners including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives, raised concerns about a proposed pilot project to allow younger commercial drivers (ages 18-21) to drive in interstate commerce.

While AAA acknowledges the need to address the nationwide shortage of professional truck drivers, consideration must be given to the alarming crash statistics prevalent among younger drivers.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute revealed: "Young truck drivers are involved in traffic accidents at a higher rate than older drivers. For fatal accidents, the over-involvement of younger drivers pervades all operating environments and appears to be a general problem."

AAA believes that before proceeding with this type of pilot project, all roadway users must be assured that the "test group" of younger commercial drivers has sufficiently mastered the skills of driving a large rig and fully understands the responsibilities associated with driving any vehicle. AAA and its safety partners provided the Administration with a number of specific questions and concerns that must be examined before approving such a pilot project.

This month's Commentary discusses two other safety-related issues. The first is this year's focus by legislators throughout the country on cell phone usage while driving. The second relates to the safety of our children as they return to school-whether walking, riding a bike or secured in the proper safety seat in the back seat of a car. As always, AAA believes that safety for the traveling public must remain our highest priority.

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