English Requirements For Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are responsible for not only their cargo and their person but also for ensuring the safety of those on the road with them. Unfortunately, there are frequently problems in communicating with truck drivers due to a lack of knowledge of the English language. While many may think this is not a big deal because of the number of people that don’t speak English and operate regular cars, when the amount of weight in question is comparable to that of a truck, being able to communicate is a necessity.
Currently, federal laws require anyone with a commercial driver’s license to speak English to the degree that communication with police is possible. In 2007, authorities across the country issued more than 25,000 tickets to individuals who were stopped and found unable to converse with the police officer, sheriff, or state trooper. The Federal government is currently considering proposals to raise the level of English required. This is seen as being necessary in order to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.
The majority of states in the nation allow both bus drivers and truck operators to take a least some portion of a commercial driver’s license test in a language other than English. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the federal group charged with creating the rules for the trucking industry, has proposed new rules that require anyone applying for a commercial driver’s license to speak English during both the road test and vehicle inspection. The agency wants to change the rules to eliminate the use of interpreters. Because it is a regulatory agency that has been given powers by Congress, the agency isn’t required to get Congressional approval to change the rules.
Under the newly proposed rules, drivers would still be able to take written tests in languages other than English in states where this practice is allowed. In addition, the drivers wouldn’t have to be completely fluent in English during the road test. The level required during the road test is high enough that the driver is able to respond to a roadside officer and be able to converse. This is very important because drivers need to be able to communicate with authorities concerning the loads in the truck and the vehicle in general.
In the event of an accident, emergency crews need to know what the potential dangers are dealing with a truck’s load. Chemical spills in accidents are not unlikely and there are special ways to handle these things. Drivers who are unable to communicate details concerning their loads put a number of people at risk.
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