A recent legislative struggle in Little Rock, Arkansas, has highlighted a significant issue affecting the trucking industry across North America. On one side are small and medium-sized trucking companies and their drivers. On the other side is a powerful lobbying group that represents larger interests. This debate is not just about state laws; it has serious implications for road safety and the livelihoods of many workers.
The urgency of this issue was underscored by a tragic accident in Austin, Texas, on March 13, 2025. A tractor-trailer driven by Solomun Weldekeal-Araya crashed into stopped traffic on Interstate 35, resulting in the deaths of five people, including an entire family. Araya, who had only been driving for four months, was working for a subcontractor of Amazon. Eyewitnesses reported that he did not slow down before the crash, which involved 17 vehicles. Investigations revealed that he had a history of speeding and Hours of Service violations, raising concerns about his training and fitness to drive.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern. Many recent crashes involve drivers who are recent immigrants or refugees. In some cases, these drivers lack proper training, work authorization, or even the ability to communicate in English. For example, Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, an undocumented immigrant, caused a fatal accident in Colorado after being deported 16 times. Similarly, Jean Marie Saint-Lot from Haiti crashed into stopped traffic during bad weather, partly due to inadequate training.
Shannon Everett, co-founder of American Truckers United, is advocating for new legislation to address these issues. She believes that the current system fails to protect victims of trucking accidents and does not adequately support American truckers. Everett’s proposed bill, House Bill 1569, aims to enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and restrict licenses from countries other than Canada or Mexico.
However, the Arkansas Trucking Association has introduced a competing bill, House Bill 1745, which lacks strict controls on English proficiency and allows for broader acceptance of foreign driver’s licenses. This bill has already advanced through the legislative process, despite significant opposition during hearings.
The debate over these bills is not just local; it reflects broader national concerns about trucking regulations and safety standards. Critics argue that recent federal policies have made it easier to bring in drivers without the necessary training, which can lead to dangerous situations on the roads. The Biden administration’s efforts to increase the number of commercial driver’s licenses issued have raised alarms about the quality of training and safety.
As this legislative battle unfolds, it raises important questions about the future of trucking in America. Will safety be prioritized, or will corporate interests continue to drive policy decisions? The outcome of this struggle could have lasting effects on both the trucking industry and road safety for everyone.