Keeping Young Drivers Safe at Work

Young drivers are still in the process of mastering the complex task of driving. This developmental phase involves learning how to operate a vehicle safely, understanding traffic laws, and developing the ability to anticipate and respond to various driving situations. Compared to older, more experienced drivers, young drivers might lack the necessary judgment and reflexes to handle unexpected events on the road. Their decision-making processes are still maturing, and they may not always recognize the potential dangers associated with certain driving behaviors.

The statistics on crash involvement and fatalities among young drivers are alarming and underscore the need for targeted safety measures. Drivers aged 16 to 24 have the highest rates of involvement in fatal and injury-producing crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. From 2011 to 2022, there were 1,550 work-related motor vehicle fatalities in this age group, accounting for 35% of all work-related deaths among young workers. These numbers highlight the disproportionate risk faced by young drivers and the critical need for interventions to enhance their safety.

Age Restrictions and Legal Guidelines

Driving Restrictions for Workers Under Age 16 in Non-Agricultural Jobs

Workers under the age of 16 are generally prohibited from performing any driving tasks in non-agricultural jobs. This restriction is in place to protect young workers who are still developing their basic driving skills and are at a higher risk of being involved in motor vehicle crashes. By preventing these young workers from driving for work, employers can help minimize their exposure to road-related hazards.

General Driving Allowances and Restrictions for Workers Aged 18-24

Workers aged 18 to 24 have fewer restrictions and are generally allowed to drive on the job. However, there are still important guidelines and limitations to ensure their safety:

- General Allowances: Workers in this age group can typically perform most driving tasks as part of their employment, including making deliveries and transporting goods and passengers.

- Commercial Motor Vehicle Restrictions: For workers under the age of 21, there are additional restrictions related to driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Specifically, they are prohibited from driving CMVs across state lines (interstate driving). This restriction aims to limit their exposure to long-haul driving, which can be particularly demanding and risky for less experienced drivers.

- State and Federal Compliance: Employers must ensure that young workers comply with both state graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws and federal regulations. GDL laws often include restrictions on night driving, the number of passengers, and other factors designed to improve safety for young, inexperienced drivers.

Guidelines for 17-Year-Old Workers

Conditions Under Which 17-Year-Old Workers May Drive on Public Roads

Completion of Driver Education: The young worker must have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course. This ensures they have received formal training on safe driving practices and road regulations.

Valid Driver’s License: They must possess a valid state driver’s license. This demonstrates that they have met the minimum requirements for driving set by the state.

Clean Driving Record: At the time of hire, the young worker must have no record of moving violations, such as speeding tickets or other traffic infractions. This helps ensure that only responsible drivers are permitted to drive for work purposes.

Vehicle Requirements: The vehicle they drive must not exceed 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and must be equipped with seat belts for all occupants. This ensures that they are not driving overly large or potentially more hazardous vehicles.

Prohibited Driving Tasks and Job Duties for 17-Year-Old Workers

Main Job Duty: Driving cannot be their primary job duty. Their driving tasks must be incidental to their main job responsibilities.

Urgent or Time-Sensitive Deliveries: They are not permitted to make urgent or time-sensitive deliveries, such as pizza or other fast-food deliveries. The pressures of these tasks can lead to increased risk-taking and accidents.

Route Deliveries or Sales: Making route deliveries or sales is prohibited due to the repetitive nature and potential pressure to adhere to tight schedules.

Towing: They cannot tow another vehicle, which requires additional driving skills and increases the risk of accidents.

Driving Radius: Their driving is limited to within a 30-mile radius from their primary place of work. This helps limit the duration and complexity of their trips.

Transporting Goods or Passengers: They cannot be hired specifically to transport goods or passengers, nor can they transport more than three passengers, including employees of the employer.

Trip Limits: They are restricted to making no more than two trips away from the primary place of work in any single day to transport goods or other employees. This limits their exposure to road risks during work hours.

Driving Time Limits for 17-Year-Old Workers

Workday Limits: Driving time must not exceed 33% of their workday. This restriction helps to ensure that driving remains a minor component of their overall job responsibilities, reducing fatigue and risk.

Workweek Limits: Driving time is also limited to no more than 20% of their workweek. This helps prevent cumulative fatigue and exposure to driving hazards over an extended period.

Daylight Hours: Driving is restricted to daylight hours. Night driving presents additional challenges and hazards, such as reduced visibility and increased fatigue, which young drivers are less equipped to handle.

State-Specific Restrictions: Employers should check their state’s child labor laws for any additional restrictions that may apply. State laws can vary and might impose stricter limits than federal regulations.

Tips for Employers

Steps to Take Before Hiring Young Workers to Drive

Check State Driver's Licenses: Verify that the applicant has a valid state driver’s license appropriate for the type of driving required by the job. Ensure that the license is up-to-date and free from restrictions that would prohibit them from performing their job duties.

Review Driving Records: Check the applicant’s driving record for any moving violations, impaired driving incidents, or license suspensions. A clean driving record is essential to ensure that the young driver has demonstrated responsible driving behavior.

Verify Driver Education Completion: For drivers under the age of 18, confirm that the applicant has completed a state-approved driver education course. This education provides foundational knowledge and skills that are crucial for safe driving.

Guidelines for Assigning Driving Tasks to Young Workers

Adherence to GDL Laws: Ensure that all driving assignments comply with state graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. These laws often include restrictions on night driving, passenger limits, and other factors designed to protect young, inexperienced drivers.

Provide Appropriate Driver Training: At the time of hire, provide comprehensive driver training that covers the specific safety features of the vehicle the young driver will be operating. This training should also include company-specific driving policies and procedures.

Implement More Restrictive Policies: Consider implementing policies that are more restrictive than the minimum legal requirements, especially for less-experienced drivers. For example, limit the types of vehicles they can drive, restrict towing tasks, and set stricter limits on driving times and distances.

Assign Low-Risk Driving Tasks: Initially assign young drivers to low-risk driving tasks that allow them to gain experience gradually. Avoid assigning them to tasks that involve high traffic areas, night driving, or long-distance travel until they have demonstrated sufficient driving competence.

Regularly Assess Driving Skills: Conduct regular assessments of the young driver’s skills and provide additional training or adjustments to their driving duties as needed. This can help ensure that they continue to develop their skills and maintain safe driving practices.

Tips for Parents

Importance of On-the-Road Driving Sessions to Assess and Improve Driving Skills

Schedule Practice Sessions: Plan regular driving sessions with your young driver to assess their skills and provide constructive feedback. Focus on various driving conditions, such as highway driving, night driving, and adverse weather conditions, to build their confidence and competence.

Identify and Correct Mistakes: Use these sessions to identify any mistakes or areas where your young driver needs improvement. Offer specific advice and practice exercises to address these areas. Positive reinforcement for good driving practices is also important.

Gradual Exposure to Complex Situations: Gradually expose your young driver to more complex driving situations as their skills improve. This can include busy urban areas, merging onto highways, and handling heavy traffic. Ensure they are comfortable and capable before increasing the difficulty.

Familiarizing with Child Labor and GDL Laws and Discussing Driving Expectations with Young Drivers

Learn the Laws: Familiarize yourself with both child labor laws and graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws in your state. These laws outline important restrictions and requirements for young drivers, including work-related driving limitations.

Discuss Legal Requirements: Share this information with your young driver to ensure they understand the legal restrictions that apply to their driving. Emphasize the importance of adhering to these laws for their safety and legal compliance.

Set Clear Expectations: Discuss your expectations regarding their driving behavior. Establish rules about curfews, passenger limits, and other driving-related guidelines. Make sure they understand the consequences of violating these rules.

Ensuring Young Workers Understand Their Job's Driving-Related Tasks and Safe Operation Procedures

Review Job Duties: Go over the driving-related tasks associated with your young driver's job. Ensure they understand what is expected of them and the specific responsibilities they have while driving for work.

Safety Procedures: Make sure your young driver is aware of their employer’s safety procedures and policies. This includes understanding how to operate the vehicle safely, the importance of wearing seat belts, and what to do in case of an emergency or accident.

Encourage Communication: Encourage your young driver to ask their employer for clarification or additional training if they are unsure about any aspect of their driving duties. Reinforce the importance of speaking up if they feel unsafe or unprepared for a particular driving task.

Monitor and Support: Regularly check in with your young driver about their experiences and any challenges they may face on the road. Provide ongoing support and advice to help them navigate their driving responsibilities safely.