English-proficiency bill tackles problem at driver-training level – Land Line Media

Introduction of the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act

Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act (S2114) aimed at enforcing English-proficiency standards at the driver-training level for commercial drivers. The bill requires drivers to be tested for English proficiency before obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) co-sponsored the legislation.

Objectives and Provisions of the Bill

The bill seeks to codify existing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations by:

1. Mandating that CDL holders possess basic English skills to read traffic signs and communicate with law enforcement.
2. Prohibiting CDL tests from being administered in any language other than English.

Senator Marshall emphasized the importance of this legislation for public safety, stating that commercial vehicle operators must understand road signs and communicate effectively with police to maintain the highest safety standards.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This legislation supports the following SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By enhancing road safety through improved communication, the bill aims to reduce accidents and fatalities on roads.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The bill promotes basic language proficiency as a standard in driver training programs.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Ensuring safe and reliable transportation contributes to sustainable urban and rural communities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthening law enforcement communication supports safer and more just roadways.

Support from Industry Stakeholders

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

The bill has received strong support from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which had petitioned earlier in the year for enforcement of English-proficiency regulations.

“OOIDA strongly supports Sen. Marshall’s Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act because it’s common sense that drivers should demonstrate they can read critical road signs before getting behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle on public roadways,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA President. “Professional truckers routinely communicate with law enforcement and first responders to perform their jobs safely and effectively. This legislation aligns with OOIDA’s advocacy for stronger driver-training standards and enhances road safety for all.”

Enforcement by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)

On June 25, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) began enforcing longstanding English-proficiency regulations. According to a CVSA news release, failure to meet basic English standards is now considered an out-of-service violation. CVSA also advocates for harmonizing testing standards with the regulation.

Statements from Transportation Leadership

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the critical need for enforcement during an event in Austin, Texas:

“Federal law has always been very clear. Commercial drivers must be proficient in English. English is the language of opportunity in America. Allowing drivers who cannot read stop signs or understand police officers’ instructions to operate an 80,000-pound big rig threatens the safety of every American on our roadways. There are numerous examples across the country where operators lacking English proficiency have caused devastating accidents resulting in loss of life. That’s going to end right now.”

Conclusion

The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act represents a significant step toward enhancing road safety and aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting education, safety, and strong institutional enforcement. The collaboration between lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and enforcement agencies underscores a unified commitment to protecting public health and well-being on American roadways.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on road safety and reducing accidents caused by communication barriers, which directly impacts public health and safety.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The bill emphasizes English proficiency and driver training standards, highlighting the importance of education and skill development for commercial drivers.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Ensuring commercial drivers have the necessary language skills supports decent work conditions and promotes safer economic activities in transportation.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving road safety through language proficiency contributes to making cities and communities safer and more sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.6: By 2030, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for Target 3.6:
   • Number of road traffic deaths and injuries, particularly those related to communication or language barriers among commercial drivers.
2. Indicator for Target 4.4:
   • Proportion of commercial drivers who have passed English proficiency tests as part of their licensing process.
3. Indicator for Target 8.8:
   • Enforcement of regulations requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers to ensure safe working conditions.
4. Indicator for Target 11.2:
   • Compliance rates with English proficiency standards among commercial vehicle operators contributing to safer transport systems.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: landline.media