Project Goal:

To conduct a study and obtain data to determine whether there is a correlation between limited English proficiency and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety.

Background:

Title 49 CFR 391.11(a) and (b)(2) provide that: A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Except as provided in Section 391.63, a motor carrier shall not require or permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle unless that person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Except as provided in subpart G of this part, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

Summary:

Specifically, the question to be addressed is whether a correlation or causation can be established between English language proficiency and safety. This study would attempt to isolate whether and to what extent CMV driver English proficiency contributes to accidents involving CMVs and to determine the reasonableness of 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2).

Funding

Total Funding: $ 100,000.00

Contractor:

Volpe Center