Intensified enforcement of English proficiency for truck drivers in Texas
Texas, known for its vast network of highways and being home to the most tractor-trailer operators in the United States, is taking a significant step towards enhancing road safety. Governor Greg Abbott announced on Thursday that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be conducting English proficiency checks on truck drivers during inspections and licensing reviews.
According to federal data, Texas is home to approximately 212,770 tractor-trailer operators as of May 2023. This high number underscores the need for effective English proficiency checks to ensure road safety. The move is in response to a June 25 directive from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The checks will apply to both interstate and intrastate operators. Of the drivers flagged for failing the English proficiency requirement since the directive, approximately 445 were based in Texas. Out of these, about 28 held Texas-issued CDLs, 340 held licenses from Mexico, and the rest were licensed elsewhere.
The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) has endorsed this measure, lending it significant weight. John D. Esparza, the President and CEO of the TXTA, stated that English skills are critical to road safety. He further emphasised that inadequate English skills can lead to risks for every motorist due to the inability to read road signs, weather alerts, or digital instructions near bridges, overpasses, or construction zones.
The endorsement from the TXTA suggests that the trucking industry in Texas recognises the importance of English proficiency for road safety. Abbott has directed DPS to enforce zero-tolerance for English proficiency as a safety regulation. The checks will be an essential part of maintaining the safety of Texas's roads, especially considering the high number of CDL drivers in the state.
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