Trucking safety matters now more than ever, and so does common sense. The radical Left seems intent on driving this country off a cliff, but at least Secretary Duffy is trying to keep our roads safe.
- English-Only CDL Tests: All commercial drivers must now pass their tests in English.
- Cracking Down on Fraud: The DOT is targeting fraudulent trucking companies and shady driving schools.
- Safety First: These changes aim to ensure all drivers on the road are qualified and can understand traffic laws.
One Language for One Nation: Common Sense Prevails
It’s almost unbelievable that this was even an issue, but for too long, states have been allowed to administer commercial driver’s license (CDL) tests in multiple languages. We’re talking about drivers piloting 80,000-pound vehicles – vehicles that can cause serious harm if not operated safely. Requiring English proficiency isn’t xenophobia, it’s common sense. How can a driver be expected to understand road signs or communicate with law enforcement if they can’t speak English? California offered tests in 20 other languages, and that’s a big part of the problem.
The new rule ensures that all drivers meet federal requirements to understand English well enough to read signs and talk to officers. This will get unqualified drivers off our roads.
Rooting Out the Rotten Apples: Fraudulent Companies in the Crosshairs
It’s no secret that the trucking industry has been plagued by fraud. Too many companies have been allowed to slip through the cracks, endangering everyone on the road. To make matters worse, some trucking schools weren’t meeting safety standards, with 557 schools now facing closure. These companies exploit loopholes in the system, registering multiple times under different names to avoid consequences after accidents or violations.
The Biden administration could learn a thing or two from this crackdown. It’s time to clean up the industry and ensure that only legitimate, qualified companies are allowed to operate.
Remembering the Victims: Safety Isn’t Just a Slogan
This isn’t just about paperwork and regulations; it’s about preventing tragedies. A recent crash in Florida, caused by an unauthorized driver, killed three people. This tragedy, along with others, highlighted the urgent need for reform. A crash in Indiana also took the lives of four Amish community members.
Duffy is right: Americans deserve to be safe on the roads. Ensuring that truck drivers are well-trained, qualified, and can communicate effectively is a matter of life and death. This is exactly how government should work.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook:
This isn’t just about trucking; it’s about a broader principle: assimilation. Speaking the language of your adopted country is not just practical; it’s a sign of respect. If you want to be a part of the American family, you should make an effort to speak our language. Moreover, strengthening regulations and enforcement in the trucking industry sets a precedent for other sectors. It sends a clear message: we will not tolerate negligence or shortcuts that put American lives at risk.
Will this finally bring some much-needed accountability to the trucking industry?
