ENSURING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR ROAD SAFETY: Today, President Donald J. Trump took a significant step towards enhancing road safety by signing an Executive Order aimed at guaranteeing that all individuals operating commercial vehicles are adequately qualified and proficient in English.
- The Order mandates the Secretary of Transportation to annul previous guidance that diluted the legal requirement for English proficiency among commercial drivers.
- It calls for a revision of out-of-service criteria to ensure that drivers who breach English proficiency regulations are promptly removed from service, thereby bolstering roadway safety.
- Additionally, it instructs the Secretary of Transportation to scrutinize state practices regarding the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to uncover any discrepancies, ensuring that American drivers hold valid licenses and qualifications.
- The Order also directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement further administrative, regulatory, or enforcement measures aimed at improving the working conditions for America’s truck drivers.
EMPOWERING AMERICA’S TRUCK DRIVERS: President Trump acknowledges the vital role of America’s truck drivers in underpinning the economy, safeguarding national security, and supporting the livelihoods of American families.
- The President asserts that English is an essential safety requirement for professional drivers. They must be able to read and comprehend traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol agents, agricultural checkpoint personnel, and those at cargo weight-limit stations, as well as exchange feedback and directives in English.
- While federal law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to possess sufficient English skills, this mandate has been inadequately enforced due to guidance from the Obama Administration, which has led to a troubling increase in trucking-related fatalities.
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of mortality in the United States, claiming over 120 lives daily.
- The Trump Administration is dedicated to rigorously enforcing this law to enhance the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and the general public by ensuring that all commercial vehicle operators are properly qualified and proficient in English, our national language.
UPHOLDING THE STANDARDS OF THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE: President Trump has consistently advocated for the notion that English should be recognized as the official language of the United States.
- The President has previously signed an Executive Order that designates English as the official language of the United States.
- This latest Executive Order reinforces the necessity for commercial drivers to meet established English proficiency standards, enabling them to navigate roads safely, adhere to regulations, and communicate effectively with both authorities and employers.
