New order bans translation aids for truckers, sparking concern over safety and efficiency | Metaglossia: The Translation World | Scoop.it

"SAN ANTONIO — Truckers are legally required to speak and read English proficiently to drive their rigs. This isn't new. But starting today they can no longer use aids, like apps or translation books to help them.


The president signed an 'executive order' earlier in the year, citing safety as the reason.


We visited a San Antonio truck stop for 30 minutes and three out of 5 drivers we spoke to could not speak fluent English with us.


Trucker Mark Bolen says that's unsafe.


“You see road construction and all sorts of other signs that you kind of have to know exactly. They say you know all the lanes are closed.” Bolen said.


Before drivers would be allowed to use a translation device, but not anymore.


“You need to read and write in English. it's very important especially in the United States regardless if we're this close to the border of Mexico.” truck driver Reuben Talamantez said.


John Esparza is President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, he represents about one thousand different trucking companies and it will be up to officers who pull trucks over.


“There's no place in the state that would be off limits for our enforcement community,” Esparza said.


Sid Miller the Texas Agriculture Commissioner says he supports the new law but it could cause a short term pinch in the shipment of agriculture products but it won't be long.


“We will get our agricultural products to the consumer. I can promise you that.” Miller said.


The new language requirement will be enforced from a traffic violation, like a busted taillight or lane violation, or a set inspection at a weigh station.


That's when law enforcement would engage the driver in conversation, and then evaluate their ability to understand and respond."
https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/new-order-bans-translation-aids-for-truckers-sparking-concern-over-safety-and-efficiency-texas-trucking-association-sid-miller-agriculture-commissioner
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