President Donald J. Trump is back in action, shaking things up for the American trucking industry with an executive order that could redefine road safety.
At a Glance
- Trump will sign an executive order requiring truck drivers to pass English literacy tests for safety.
- The order directs the Department of Transportation to include these tests to address road communication issues.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is instructed to revoke previous guidance that weakened English requirements.
- This move comes after Trump’s commendation of truckers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details of the Executive Order
The executive order signed by President Trump focuses on enhancing English proficiency among truck drivers to improve road safety. He believes this will address communication problems that have grown within the trucking community. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is tasked with revoking Obama-era policies that weakened English language requirements. It’s clear Trump wants to ensure truckers—the backbone of commerce—are equipped for safe navigation and capable communication.
The order emphasizes strict adherence to Executive Order 14224, marking English as the official language. This new directive directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to incorporate literacy tests for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Truckers struggling with English proficiency will face severe consequences, including being placed out-of-service, a measure deemed necessary for public safety. The order seeks new policies to bolster commercial driver’s license security and improve working conditions.
Impacts on Road Safety and Policies
The decree increases scrutiny on foreign-born truckers—a growing sector due to prior administrations’ policies—by improving protocols for verifying the authenticity of driving credentials. It references federal law requiring drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.”
“American truckers are the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory. They’ve done an incredible job. We’ve had no problems. It’s been just – it’s been just great.” – Donald Trump.
Trump aims to protect American truckers by mandating enhanced language skills that are aligned with road safety. Additional measures target the improvement of working conditions, a move needed in light of Trump’s praise for truck drivers during the pandemic. The White House described truck drivers as a pivotal piece of the economy and national security, emphasizing that the directive underscores their importance.
Building a Safer Road Environment
Trump’s new policy is a stand to ensure that every driver passing through American soil is equipped to engage with the logistical and safety demands of the job. This doesn’t just bolster public safety; it reinforces family values, as countless families rely on truckers to transport goods safely and promptly. Improving driver expertise and conditions promises to be a home run for everyone on the road.
“order directing the Department of Transportation to include English literacy tests for our truckers. This is a big problem in the trucking community” – Karoline Leavitt.
This order sets a precedent in solidifying English proficiency as a key safety measure. Without authenticating driving credentials properly, the road’s integrity and security falter, which no American can afford. This bold action aims to correct years of oversight, protecting both citizens and the unsung heroes—truckers delivering the nation’s essential goods.
