Connor’s Law: A Push for Safer Roads
The heartbreaking death of 18-year-old Connor Dion in northern Florida illustrates the severe repercussions of inadequate road safety enforcement. Connor tragically lost his life due to a distracted truck driver who, surprisingly, couldn’t read English and failed to heed vital warning signs while speeding down the highway. This wasn’t just an unfortunate accident; it was a tragedy that could have been avoided.
It’s crucial that we don’t let the loss of lives become collateral damage in the ongoing discussions around social justice or the questionable practices of some trucking companies looking to cut costs. Congress must step up and take action.
That’s the motivation behind the introduction of Connor’s Law, presented by Rep. Dave Taylor from Ohio and myself. This legislation aims to reinforce the existing English proficiency requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. The bill mandates that those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) who can’t read or speak English will have their services suspended.
These expectations aren’t new, by any means. Federal regulations have long stipulated that CDL drivers need to comprehend and communicate in English, which includes understanding traffic signs and responding to official inquiries.
However, back in 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under the Obama administration, quietly lifted English proficiency violations from its service standards, essentially undermining its sensible policies.
I first became aware of this concern during my time as a Wyoming State Assemblyman and started advocating for a return to stricter enforcement. In April 2025, I reached out to U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy about this issue, emphasizing the increasing number of truck-related accidents and the urgency of reassessing these hidden policies.
Since then, Secretary Duffy has consistently pushed for the enforcement of English proficiency regulations. Under the Trump administration, the FMCSA has instructed inspectors to evaluate drivers’ English abilities during roadside checks, including assessing their comprehension and communication skills.
Interestingly, though, enforcement at the state level remains inconsistent. This is where Connor’s Law plays a vital role. It aims to solidify these standards into law, providing both state and federal agencies with the authority and clarity needed to improve road safety.
On August 21, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate halt to VISA issuances, raising public safety concerns after a horrific crash in Florida that resulted in three fatalities. The driver, who was undocumented and could not understand English, attempted an illegal U-turn on a busy highway, leading to this tragedy. Such incidents must be prevented in the future.
In Wyoming, we’ve seen firsthand how allowing drivers without English proficiency on the roads can lead to dire consequences. For instance, on December 21, 2022, Tyler Harris lost his life, and Tiffany Gretzmacher suffered serious injuries when a non-English speaking driver crashed into them.
While some English-speaking drivers can recognize standard road signs, they often struggle with variable message signs (VMS) commonly used on highways. In Wyoming, for example, these signs are prevalent, especially on major routes like I-80.
If commercial drivers can’t read English, they’re likely to miss critical highway information and warnings, creating dangerous situations that could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
All Americans deserve the assurance that the individuals behind the wheel of large vehicles are capable of reading signs, following instructions, responding to emergencies, and adhering to safety regulations. By enacting Connor’s Law, we can enhance highway safety and ensure that Connor’s death wasn’t in vain.
