A truck driver from Somalia was apprehended for driving the wrong way on a Missouri highway and collided with an 80-ton truck. Authorities suspect he failed an English proficiency test after it was found he couldn’t read road signs.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 8 a.m. when the driver was seen traveling northbound on Highway 61, near Troy, approximately 55 miles from St. Louis. Eventually, he did correct his direction. A video of the harrowing situation was shared by Sean Duffy from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.
“It turns out that a CDL truck driver from Minnesota couldn’t comprehend basic road signs and spent several miles going the wrong way in his 80-ton vehicle,” Duffy noted.
Duffy added, “This dangerous driver is now off the road.”
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver was operating his vehicle despite not being able to identify fundamental road signs, which are prerequisites for holding a commercial license.
Authorities confirmed that the driver, while possessing a valid commercial driver’s license, did not exhibit signs of impairment or medical issues.
During the traffic stop, police reported that he struggled to complete an English proficiency exam. Dallas Thompson, a representative, noted that Missouri law mandates understanding English to pass the road sign tests essential for obtaining a license.
Unfortunately, the situation was alarming but resolved without an accident. The driver, licensed in Minnesota, worked for Cargo Transportation LLC.
The driver received a ticket for traveling the wrong way, though he wasn’t detained.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has initiated an investigation into the case.
The agency confirmed that all CDL applicants in Minnesota must take knowledge and driving tests in English to demonstrate their skill in safely operating a commercial vehicle.
“Our Driver and Vehicle Services Division adheres to federal regulations when issuing CDLs or Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs),” they stated.
Duffy mentioned that both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation are looking into how the driver obtained his commercial license.
This incident follows the Trump administration’s announcement last April, mandating that all CDL exams be given in English, intended to tackle concerns regarding drivers’ language understanding.
Furthermore, pressure for enforcement grew after an incident in Florida where an immigrant truck driver involved in a crash that killed three people allegedly didn’t pass an English and road sign test.
While commercial drivers are typically required to show English proficiency to earn their CDLs, some states still offer tests in various languages.
Recently, New York declared it would no longer issue commercial licenses to non-citizens, aligning with state and federal guidelines.
After President Trump enacted an executive order making English the official language, over 14,000 truck drivers lost their jobs for not meeting basic requirements, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Additionally, the department has clamped down on “CDL factories,” which were allegedly producing unqualified drivers, resulting in the closure of over 550 providers that didn’t comply with safety standards.
“We won’t stop until America’s roads are safe for families again,” Duffy emphasized.
