President Trump’s latest executive order reinstating English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers reverses Obama-era policies and puts American safety at the forefront of transportation regulations once again.
Key Takeaways
- Trump signed an executive order mandating English proficiency for all commercial truck drivers, reversing a 2016 Obama administration policy that relaxed enforcement
- The Department of Transportation will implement English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle operators, with non-compliant drivers placed out of service
- Supporters link the Obama-era policy change to a 30% increase in fatal truck crashes, arguing English proficiency is essential for reading road signs and emergency communications
- The order reinstates standards dating back to 1937 requiring CMV operators to read and speak English sufficiently for public safety
- Industry groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association strongly support the move as a common-sense safety measure
Trump Restores Critical Safety Standards for American Highways
In a decisive move to enhance roadway safety across America, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday requiring all commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency. This critical policy change reverses a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of this long-standing safety requirement. The executive order not only reinstates but strengthens the original 1937 policy that required commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to read and speak English sufficiently to interact with the public and understand traffic signs.
The Department of Transportation will now implement stricter inspection procedures for verifying drivers’ English skills, with those failing to meet the standard being placed out of service until they can demonstrate adequate proficiency. This decisive action addresses growing concerns about safety on American roadways, where communication barriers can lead to deadly consequences – particularly when drivers can’t comprehend road signs, emergency instructions, or interact effectively with law enforcement.
Obama-Era Policies Linked to Surge in Fatal Crashes
Conservative lawmakers have been raising alarms about the dangerous consequences of the Obama administration’s relaxed enforcement policy. Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming specifically requested the rescindment of the 2016 memo, pointing to troubling data showing a spike in fatal truck accidents. Reports indicate a staggering 30% increase in deadly crashes involving large trucks since the Obama-era policy change took effect, highlighting the real-world consequences of prioritizing political correctness over public safety.
“When looking at available data, it is well within reason to conclude that this guidance has played a factor in the number of trucking accidents throughout the last several years.” – Republican Representative Harriet Hageman
The executive order builds on Trump’s earlier move to designate English as the official language of the United States, reinforcing the importance of a common language for safety and national cohesion. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy expressed strong support for the president’s action, indicating plans for a “big announcement” with Trump aimed at making “our roadways safer and putting American truckers first” – a refreshing change from the previous administration’s approach that seemed to prioritize special interests over safety.
Industry Support for Common-Sense Safety Measures
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing 150,000 truckers, has emphatically endorsed Trump’s decision. The organization had previously petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation, recognizing the critical safety implications of communication barriers. The reinstatement of these requirements isn’t about politics – it’s about protecting lives on America’s highways.
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent strongly support President Trump’s decision to resume enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement. Road signs save lives—but only when they’re understood.” – OOIDA President Todd Spencer
The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) has also voiced strong support for the policy change, calling on Congress to pass permanent legislation such as the proposed Connor’s Law to codify these requirements. Named after Connor Dzion, who was tragically killed by a truck driver allegedly unable to understand English, this legislation would ensure that future administrations couldn’t simply reverse these vital safety standards for political convenience. This common-sense approach puts American safety first – exactly what voters expected when they elected President Trump.
Sources:
- Trump Reversing Obama-Era Rule with Order Requiring Truckers Speak English
- No English, No Engine: Trump Signs Language Requirement For Truckers
