Highways Aren’t Safe When Truckers Can’t Read Warning Signs or Communicate With Police
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently ordered stricter enforcement of federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) rules for all commercial drivers. On September 4, 2025, he directed the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to review the English skills of every driver and stop issuing intrastate licenses to those who cannot communicate in English.
The move closes a loophole that had limited enforcement to interstate carriers. Since June, approximately 445 drivers have been cited for violations, most of whom are licensed in Mexico. Abbott stated that the zero-tolerance policy is designed to enhance highway safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
This new enforcement push highlights more than just a regulatory change. It highlights the dangers that can arise when truck drivers fail to meet basic federal safety standards. When commercial drivers cannot communicate in English, they put everyone at risk, and both the driver and their employer may be held liable if a crash occurs. For those injured in these situations, guidance from a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer can be critical in uncovering violations and holding negligent parties accountable.
Why English Proficiency Matters Under Federal Law
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to possess sufficient English skills to converse with law enforcement officers, read road signs, and understand written instructions. These requirements exist for safety, not convenience. A driver who cannot read warning signs, respond to traffic laws, or communicate during inspections is operating illegally and unsafely.
When a crash happens under these circumstances, the lack of compliance with ELP rules may be used as evidence of negligence. That means a driver’s violation of federal law can directly strengthen a victim’s injury claim.
How Lack of English Proficiency Can Contribute to Accidents
Failure to comply with English language requirements is not a minor technicality and can create real dangers for other motorists. Some of the most common risks include:
- Missing Road Signs: Drivers unable to read English may ignore weight limits, construction warnings, or hazardous curve signs.
- Miscommunication During Inspections: Inability to understand officer instructions may allow unsafe trucks to remain on the road.
- Emergency Response Delays: Non-English-speaking drivers may struggle to describe a crash or breakdown, which can slow emergency aid.
- Traffic Law Misunderstandings: Misreading signals or rules of the road can lead to collisions at intersections or on highways.
Each of these problems is preventable with proper compliance. When carriers or drivers fail to meet federal safety standards, victims should not bear the consequences alone. Legal guidance can ensure accountability and compensation.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Prove English Deficiency Contributed to Negligence
It is not only drivers who face accountability. Trucking companies that knowingly hire or retain drivers who cannot meet ELP standards can be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention. Carriers have a duty to make sure every driver they place on Texas roads is legally qualified.
Showing that a driver’s lack of English proficiency played a role in a crash is not always straightforward. It often requires a detailed investigation, careful evidence gathering, and a thorough understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations. An experienced truck accident attorney can connect the dots between a driver’s violation of English language requirements and the accident itself, strengthening an injury claim. Some of the most effective methods include:
- Reviewing DPS and FMCSA Records: Attorneys can obtain inspection reports, citations, and out-of-service violations that document failures in English proficiency.
- Gathering Witness Statements: Testimony from officers, inspectors, or motorists who interacted with the driver may reveal communication problems that contributed to unsafe conditions.
- Analyzing Accident Circumstances: Comparing missed signs, misunderstood directions, or delayed responses with the driver’s language ability can show a direct link to the crash.
- Examining Employer Practices: Investigating whether a trucking company knowingly hired or retained drivers who failed English requirements can reveal broader negligence.
- Consulting Expert Witnesses: Safety experts can explain how the inability to communicate in English increases risks and violates FMCSA standards.
Abbott’s order to stop issuing intrastate licenses to non-English-speaking drivers raises the stakes even further for employers. Companies that continue to skirt the rules or ignore violations may face greater legal exposure if their drivers are involved in accidents. For accident victims, having a truck accident lawyer handle this complex investigation ensures that no critical evidence is overlooked and that liability is pursued against all responsible parties.
Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable
Truck accidents are rarely simple. Multiple layers of liability often come into play, and English proficiency violations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. These cases require knowledge of federal trucking laws and the ability to effectively represent clients against carriers and their insurers.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Fort Worth or anywhere in Texas, Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., is ready to help. A free consultation gives you the opportunity to understand your potential legal options, ensure violations are fully investigated, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Don’t let trucking companies dictate the outcome. Contact us for a free consultation and to get the legal support you need to protect your future.
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