Linking Language Proficiency to CMV Safety: Insights from Volpe Center Research

The connection between English language skills and safety on the road is an area that hasn’t received much attention. However, back in 2011, researchers at the Volpe Center—part of the U.S. Department of Transportation—set out to explore how English proficiency impacts commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations.

The research was multifaceted; it included data analysis, direct observations of CMV drivers during their shifts, and discussions with a diverse group of industry participants.

The findings revealed that many CMV drivers speak languages other than English and indicated that hiring practices regarding language proficiency vary significantly across different sectors within the industry.

• Language comprehension tasks performed by CMV drivers are critical for ensuring safety on the roads.
• Diverse opinions exist among federal and state enforcement agencies, motor carrier groups, individual carriers and drivers about whether English proficiency is essential for safe truck operation.
• The interpretation of FMCSA regulations regarding English-language requirements differs among stakeholders; there’s also debate over how effectively a driver’s language skills can be evaluated during hiring or roadside checks.
• Skepticism remains about whether current standards for assessing English proficiency can be applied consistently across all situations.

An additional FMCSA study initiated in 2018 had a budget set at $100K but faced delays; even though a final report was completed in 2019, it has yet to see publication as noted in a web post from 2021. The agency has not provided any comments regarding this lack of release.