Reviving Road Safety: The Case for English Proficiency in Trucking

The tragic death of 18-year-old Connor Dzion in northern Florida in 2017 underscores the severe repercussions of inadequate enforcement of basic road safety standards. Connor lost his life due to a distracted truck driver who could not comprehend critical warning signs. This incident serves as a stark reminder that such tragedies are preventable and should never be brushed aside as mere mistakes.

American lives cannot be treated as collateral damage in the pursuit of controversial social policies or the ambitions of profit-driven trucking companies that threaten the livelihoods of domestic drivers. It is imperative for Congress to take decisive action.

In response to this pressing issue, Representative Dave Taylor from Ohio and I have introduced Connor’s Law. This legislation aims to firmly establish the long-standing requirement for English language proficiency among commercial motor vehicle drivers. By doing this, we can ensure that CDL holders who lack the ability to read or communicate effectively in English are appropriately removed from service.

The Importance of English Language Proficiency

The expectation for English proficiency in the trucking industry is not new. Federal regulations have long mandated that CDL drivers must possess sufficient English language skills to communicate with the public, comprehend highway signs, respond to official inquiries, and accurately complete necessary reports.

However, in 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), at the behest of the previous administration, quietly eliminated English proficiency violations from its out-of-service criteria. This decision effectively undermined the enforcement of this vital requirement.

Seeking Accountability and Enforcement

During my initial term as a congresswoman in Wyoming, I recognized the serious risks posed by this policy shift. On April 10, 2025, I reached out to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, highlighting the need to reassess these hidden policies. With the alarming rise in accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), it became evident that action was necessary to revert these damaging changes.

In response to our concerns, Secretary Duffy assured me that the administration would recommit to enforcing English language requirements. Under President Trump, the FMCSA subsequently issued new directives for inspectors to evaluate a driver’s proficiency during roadside checks. This included conducting interviews in English and assessing comprehension of signs.

Addressing State Enforcement Challenges

Despite this renewed commitment, state-level enforcement of these standards remains inconsistent. This is where Connor’s Law plays a crucial role. The law aims to solidify these expectations, providing clarity for both state and federal authorities to effectively maintain road safety.

On August 21, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a suspension of all worker visa issuances for commercial truck drivers. This decision stemmed from public safety concerns that arose after a tragic crash in Florida, where an undocumented driver, who failed an English assessment, caused an accident that resulted in three fatalities.

Real-World Impacts in Wyoming

In Wyoming, we are acutely aware of the devastating outcomes associated with permitting drivers who do not meet English proficiency standards on our roads. A recent incident on December 21, 2022, brought this issue to the forefront. In this case, Tyeler Harris lost his life, and Tiffany Gruetzmacher sustained severe injuries when Saviol Saint Jean crashed into them while driving through an accident scene at excessive speed. Notably, Saint Jean lacked proficiency in English despite holding a CDL.

While some non-English speaking drivers may recognize basic road signs, they struggle with variable-message signs commonly used across highways. In Wyoming, these signs alert drivers to changing weather conditions, hazards, and road closures, especially prevalent along I-80, which sees significant traffic daily.

Drivers who cannot read English may overlook crucial instructions on variable-message signs, endangering themselves and others. Such lapses can lead to dangerous misjudgments in critical situations on the road.

A Call for Increased Safety Standards

Every American deserves the assurance that when sharing the road with large trucks, the person behind the wheel has the necessary skills to read signage, follow directions, respond to emergencies, and adhere to traffic regulations. By enacting Connor’s Law, we move closer to enhancing road safety across our highways and ensuring that the loss of Connor Dzion was not in vain.