California, Washington, New Mexico face federal funding cuts

• States warned over failure to enforce trucker English rules
• Deadline set after fatal Florida crash involving illegal driver
• Millions in federal highway funds at risk if noncompliant

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned California, Washington and New Mexico that they could lose millions in federal highway funds if they do not begin enforcing English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for truck drivers. The three states have 30 days to present corrective plans following an investigation into a deadly Florida crash involving an illegal immigrant trucker.

The case centres on Harjinder Singh, 28, who was in the country illegally and attempted an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike earlier this month. His semi-truck jackknifed into a minivan, killing three passengers. Officials said Singh later failed a CDL test and was previously licensed in California and Washington, with a prior stop in New Mexico where his lack of English went unaddressed.

“This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends,” Duffy said. “We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs, semis, can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well-trained.”

Federal officials said California could forfeit $33 million in funding, with Washington and New Mexico risking $10.5 million and $7 million respectively. Jesse Elison, chief counsel for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, confirmed the states must comply or face escalating penalties.

“We don’t want to take away money from states, but we will take money away and we’ll take additional steps that get progressively more difficult for these states,” Duffy added.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on Microsoft Start.