Commercial truck drivers have no room for error. The vehicles they operate weigh 80,000 pounds, and depending on where they are, travel 65 miles per hour. When mistakes are made, the results are catastrophic for everyone.

Truck accidents kill an estimated 4,000 people every year. A recent investigation by CBS News claims that older drivers, those over the age of 65, are responsible for many of these wrecks. The national news publication claims there has been a 19 percent increase in accidents involving drivers in their 70s, 80s and 90s in the last three years. If CBS is to be believed, this increase has occurred because companies are making greater efforts to recruit retirees facing economic hardship.

Presently, 10 percent of commercial drivers are 65 and older. Drivers in this age group were allegedly responsible for more than 6,636 accidents in 12 states between 2013 and 2015. Statistics used by CBS claim an accident last year in Wyoming involved a driver in his early 80s.

Are Age Limits a Public Safety Bonus or Discrimination?

This is a controversial topic. Would such a policy be age discrimination, or an attempt to improve public safety? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act exists to prevent this type of barrier for older jobseekers. At the moment, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has no rules specifying an age limit for commercial drivers. The agency claims it is looking at this issue.

Some jobs have age limits. Airline pilots, members of the military, air traffic control operators and federal law enforcement officers have mandatory retirement ages. In some states, judges are required to retire in their 70s. Jobs with age limits involve a high level of mental and physical stamina. They also involve work that can harm the public when mistakes are made.

What do you think? Should there be an age limit for commercial drivers or is the idea discriminatory? Let us know on Facebook.