Local truck drivers react to Trump executive order to enforce English proficiency
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new executive order from the Trump Administration is drawing attention across the trucking community.
The administration is cracking down on a long-standing rule that requires truck drivers to be proficient in English.
Federal law has required commercial truck drivers to read and speak English, but now, under a new executive order signed by President Trump, those rules will be strictly enforced.
The order says any driver who can’t meet the English standard could be pulled off the road.
The goal according to the administration: To improve roadway safety.
Some truck drivers say being able to understand English does contribute to safety.
Tyler Kapshaw, a truck driver says, “I think reading signs or being able to read and write in English is probably more important than speaking English, only for safety reasons.”
Jason Bunn, another truck driver adds, “If there’s something going on ahead and you can’t read what is going on, how do you know what’s going on.”
The American Trucking Association welcomed the move saying in a statement, “We thank the Trump Administration for responding to our concerns on the uneven application of this existing regulation.”
The sudden push has caught some truck drivers off guard, especially those who face the risk of being sidelined.
Gilberto Garcia said, “I don’t speak english and I’ve never been in an accident.”
Others see the potential for progress.
Roberto Sanchez explained, “It’s more beneficial for those truck drivers who don’t speak english if there was a program that helps them learn english. That way no one gets into problems and we all come out benefiting.”
With new enforcement on the way, some truck drivers say they’re bracing for what comes next.