In a major move to boost road safety, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that will require all truck drivers to pass English literacy tests.
This decision comes as the number of foreign-born truck drivers on American roads continues to rise, with many struggling to communicate effectively with authorities.
What’s Behind the New Policy?
The White House has revealed that there have been significant “communication problems” between truckers and federal officials, which poses a major risk to public safety.
To address this issue, the executive order will direct the Department of Transportation to introduce English literacy tests for all truckers.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, “This is a big problem in the trucking community…
We’re going to ensure that our truckers, who are the backbone of our economy, are all able to speak English. That’s a very commonsense policy.”
How Will the New Policy Work?
Under the new rules, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be tasked with rescinding guidance that previously watered down the law requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers.
The order will also aim to improve the working conditions of America’s truck drivers through additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions.
Truckers who fail to prove their English proficiency will be taken off the road, enhancing roadway safety.
The Rise of Foreign-Born Truck Drivers
The move comes as the US trucking industry faces significant challenges, including a shortage of drivers and an influx of foreign-born truckers.
According to experts, the number of foreign-born truck drivers has increased in recent years, with some citing the Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to provide truck driving training opportunities for refugees as a contributing factor.
Trump’s Track Record on Trucking
This is not the first time President Trump has shown support for the trucking industry. During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, he praised truckers for their vital role in delivering goods to stores across the country.
“American truckers are the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory,” he said at the time. “They’ve done an incredible job. We’ve had no problems. It’s been just – it’s been just great.”
A Unified Language for a Safer Society
The executive order is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to promote the use of English as the official language of the US.
In March, the President signed a separate executive order declaring English as the official language, stating that “a nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.”
By introducing English literacy tests for truck drivers, the Trump administration hopes to improve road safety and promote a more unified society.
With the number of foreign-born truck drivers on the rise, this move is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that all truckers can communicate effectively with authorities and each other.
