In a decisive move to increase road safety, the Trump administration launched a substantial enforcement initiative, Operation SafeDRIVE, which resulted in the removal of nearly 2,000 unqualified truckers and vehicles from American highways. This operation, led by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in collaboration with state law enforcement, was conducted from January 13 to 15 across 26 states and Washington, D.C.
Focused on high-risk freight corridors and regions with a higher incidence of commercial vehicle-related crashes, the operation aimed to uphold rigorous safety standards on the nation's highways. It has been reported that the campaign was partly in response to a surge in accidents involving drivers who did not meet English proficiency requirements for commercial licenses, leading to a concerning increase in fatal crashes.
During the three-day initiative, authorities conducted 8,215 inspections, resulting in 704 drivers being placed out of service. Notably, nearly 500 of these drivers failed to meet the English proficiency requirements, a crucial factor for maintaining clear communication and safety on the roads. In addition to driver suspensions, 1,231 vehicles were found to be non-compliant and were removed from service. Enforcement efforts led to 56 arrests for various offenses, including driving under the influence and illegal presence in the United States.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy lauded the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of a "whole-of-government approach" in enforcing safety standards. FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs stressed the preventative nature of the crackdown, underscoring the importance of adherence to rules and proper qualifications for ensuring safety on the roads.
This operation comes in the wake of several high-profile truck-related incidents. For instance, on January 17, a semi-truck driven by Nursultan Rysbekov, an undocumented immigrant, collided with a snowplow on I-90 in Washington State. Rysbekov was arrested for DUI and endangering an emergency worker, and subsequently received an immigration detainer. Similarly, in Lacey, Juan Hernandez-Santos, an unlicensed driver previously deported multiple times, was implicated in a multi-vehicle accident involving a school bus.
The FMCSA is committed to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial vehicles. It oversees licensing, safety standards, inspections, and training initiatives for truckers, working hand in hand with state law enforcement and nonprofit organizations. The campaign also draws attention to the necessity for strict compliance with commercial driver qualification standards.
Following the recent incidents and the accidents involving drivers without sufficient English skills, Secretary Duffy announced a nationwide audit of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to ensure that only qualified individuals are behind the wheels of large trucks on U.S. roads. The enforcement operation encompassed a wide range of states, and officials have indicated that the campaign will persist in future phases, combining enforcement, inspections, and education to promote compliance with federal safety standards.
