Are Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers in the United States Required to Speak and Understand English?

Yes!  However, this was not the law until the enactment of H.R.3608/S.2991, which was just enacted into public law.  Let’s face it, some jobs in the United States require workers to be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.  Perhaps there is no more compelling need for such communication than by the operator of a large commercial vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or bus, which literally can weigh over 70,000 pounds and be as long as 120 feet.  These vehicles are not only heavy and long, but they are also tall and often as high as 14 feet.  They take up virtually all of the lane of travel and require substantial distance and time to slow and come to a complete stop.

In recent years, the United States highway system has become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing electronic and variable warning signs that can change on a moment’s notice. These signs alert motorists, including commercial motor vehicle drivers, of dangers that lie ahead, such as crashes, construction zones, congestion, slippery conditions, or workers near the roadway.

A real-world tragedy illustrates why this new safety rule is so critical.  In 2017, a tractor-trailer driver was operating his motor vehicle on a highway in Florida.  At that time, there was no law requiring the professional driver to read and understand English enough to appreciate the risks that lay ahead.  In fact, the driver later admitted (via a translator) that he was unable to read and understand a road sign that stated, “SLOW DOWN, CRASH AHEAD.”  As a result, he continued at highway speed, passing the warning sign, and not appreciating the risk he was creating for passenger vehicles ahead of him.

One of those vehicles was occupied by a young man named Connor “Peanut” Dzion.  Connor’s vehicle was stuck in traffic with no way out.  The tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of his vehicle, abruptly ending Connor’s life.

Connor’s mother, Melissa Dzion, was outraged when she learned that the driver could not read, speak, or understand English sufficiently to appreciate what was ahead of him.  With the help of Truck Safety Coalition, she began a crusade to change the law in her son’s honor.

As a result of their combined efforts, all of us will be safer operating our vehicles on United States roadways.  Under the new law, tractor-trailer drivers will be tested by law enforcement who will have the power to take the driver off the road on the basis that the failure to understand English constitutes an “out of service” violation.  Going forward, all commercial motor vehicle drivers must be able to speak, read, and understand English well enough to satisfy law enforcement that they understand and appreciate the subtleties of roadside signs such as “congestion ahead,” “crash ahead,” “slippery conditions ahead,” “workers in a near the roadway ahead,” “alternate route ahead,” etc.

Trucking companies that employ drivers who are unable to adequately communicate in the English language face significant risk.  These rules are designed for the safety of the traveling public.  Failure to comply can result in catastrophic injuries and loss of life, which can lead to substantial multi-million dollar verdicts against the responsible trucking company/motor carrier.

If you, a friend, or loved one has experienced such a tragedy, contact Gentry Locke’s truck accident attorneys for help in seeking justice.