Yuma truckers have mixed feelings over Trump’s English proficiency order
YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — President Trump is reinforcing a federal law that requires truck drivers to be proficient in English.
He signed an executive order reinforcing a rule that has long been in place, which requires truck drivers on U.S. highways to be able to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement and safety officers.
The reaction from the road is mixed, especially in Yuma, a critical fueling and rest hub for drivers hauling goods across California, Arizona and Mexico. Some are questioning if their jobs could be on the line.
Enoc Sarabia considers himself bilingual. While he may not speak English fluently, he said he knows enough to do his job well, something he’s been doing for nearly 30 years as a truck driver.
He’s concerned about what enforcing the language requirement might look like. He took his CDL driving test in English and his written test in Spanish, which is an option that is offered in some states.
Each year, there are roughly 5,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there have been documented cases where a driver’s inability to read road signs or communicate in English contributed to deadly accidents.
With over four decades behind an 18-wheeler, Fidel Ramsey supports the order. “They need to step up these rules, there’s (sic) too many accidents,” he said.
He said he recalls some of those tragic stories, where the language barrier was an issue.
“The main excuse was they couldn’t read English. They didn’t understand. Well, how are you out here, when everything is in English and you can’t read English?” he said.
The American Trucking Association thanked President Trump for addressing the safety concern, noting that enforcement of the English requirement for CDL holders has been inconsistent.
As the U.S. works on updating the policy, truck driver Sarabia said he’s dedicated to his job despite English not being his native tongue.
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