On August 12, a tragic accident occurred when a driver, who is an illegal immigrant, made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike. This maneuver, attempted from a shoulder designated for “official use only,” resulted in a minivan crashing into his truck, leading to the deaths of three passengers.
Had he honored the “Official Use Only” signs, perhaps this accident could have been avoided. The unfortunate reality is that he apparently struggled with reading English. Following the crash, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted an English proficiency test, and the results were concerning. He was only able to correctly answer 2 out of 12 questions, and when asked about highway signs, he could identify just one out of four.
This driver, notably, wasn’t legally qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. Federal regulations state that drivers must “read and write sufficient English to converse with the public, understand highway traffic signs, respond to inquiries, and complete mandatory records.” This is particularly crucial for those behind the wheel of large semi-trucks, which can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and measure between 70 and 80 feet long. The potential consequences of collisions between such large vehicles and standard passenger cars can be catastrophic. In 2023 alone, over 4,000 lives were lost in large truck accidents, with around 65 percent of those fatalities occurring in passenger vehicles.
Representative Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) voiced his concerns by stating, “If a driver can’t understand ‘Bridge Out Ahead’ or communicate with a state trooper after an accident, they simply shouldn’t be driving an 80,000-pound truck on our highways.” He recently introduced legislation that requires commercial driver’s license applicants to demonstrate their English proficiency.
However, even with English proficiency regulations in place, their enforcement remains inconsistent. A memo released during the Obama administration in June 2016 eased previous requirements, allowing drivers who could communicate adequately with officials but lacked full English proficiency to avoid penalties.
President Trump responded by advocating stricter English proficiency standards. In April 2025, he issued an order demanding compliance with federal laws regarding English requirements for commercial drivers, emphasizing highway safety.
Nonetheless, the issue extends beyond commercial drivers. The lack of regulations for non-commercial drivers who cannot read or understand English is troubling. Research shows that only three states—South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming—require all driver’s license applicants to take a written test in English.
It’s crucial for all drivers, whether commercial or not, to comprehend English traffic signs, detour notices, and directions from law enforcement. While accidents involving large trucks are often more deadly, tragic incidents can also occur with smaller vehicles.
Having a common language on the roads, in this case, English, would simplify signage, emergency instructions, and communications with law enforcement. After a crash, it’s vital for drivers to have enough English proficiency to share information, report their locations to 911, and understand instructions from first responders.
It’s important to approach the “English only” requirement carefully, as it could present discrimination issues under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, yet basic safety-related proficiency is essential for all drivers. Issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants who cannot read, write, or communicate in English can lead to devastating accidents, as tragically shown by the recent incident that claimed three lives.
