Link Between Language Proficiency and Safety Violations in Trucking
A recent research study indicates a correlation between truck drivers’ violations of English language proficiency (ELP) rules and increased safety violations within trucking companies.
Study Overview
The study, partially conducted by Alex Scott, an associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, was published on October 1st. It examined Unsafe Driving, Vehicle Maintenance, and Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance based on roadside inspections carried out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from May 1st to September 21st.
Importance of Identifying Unsafe Drivers
The study emphasizes the necessity of establishing policies to identify unsafe drivers and companies: “It is important to develop and implement policies that identify unsafe drivers and carriers.” It calls into question whether drivers who disregard ELP regulations are indeed less safe and if their employers have poorer safety records compared to industry peers.
Key Findings
Results showed that inspections involving an ELP violation revealed 2.5 times more non-ELP violations and nearly three times the number of serious violations compared to those without an ELP violation. Carriers with ELP violations also exhibited lower safety scores from the FMCSA, specifically regarding vehicle maintenance and unsafe driving. The study pointed out notable variations in ELP violation rates across different states.
Correlation, Not Causation
Importantly, the study clarifies that the findings do not imply that a deficiency in English proficiency directly causes these violations and lower safety scores; rather, a correlation exists.
Potential Consequences of Language Barriers
The research suggests two main reasons for the observed correlation. First, drivers lacking English skills may struggle to comprehend federal trucking regulations, potentially leading to inadequate vehicle maintenance or improper adherence to HOS rules. Second, it raises concerns that non-English speaking drivers could be exploited by dishonest carriers and managers, who may engage them in unsafe practices.
Recommendations for Driver Protection
The findings prompt recommendations for protective measures for drivers who might be subjected to such management tactics, emphasizing the need for awareness and intervention to ensure driver safety across the industry.
