The recent bus crash in Virginia, which resulted in five fatalities, has brought attention to the language proficiency of commercial drivers. The incident occurred when a bus operated by E&P Travel failed to slow down near a work zone on Interstate 95, crashing into multiple vehicles.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the situation, labeling it ‘unacceptable’ due to the driver’s inability to speak English. The driver, Jing S. Dong, from Staten Island, New York, was driving from New York to North Carolina when the crash happened. Dong, a naturalized citizen from China, acquired his commercial driver’s license in New York two years ago.

The crash, which occurred at roughly 2:35 a.m. on Friday, took the lives of five individuals, including a 13-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man, and a 44-year-old woman, all from Massachusetts. A 25-year-old woman in a car directly in front of the bus also perished. In total, 44 others received hospital treatment, with three in critical condition.

Duffy emphasized the importance of language proficiency among commercial drivers. He pointed out that drivers must understand road signs and communicate with law enforcement effectively. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to speak English adequately to perform their duties safely.

The Transportation Department has launched an investigation into the licensing and training of the driver, focusing on New York records. Officials intend to scrutinize any parties involved in certifying drivers who do not meet necessary qualifications.

In February, Secretary Duffy announced that all commercial vehicle drivers must take their license tests in English. This requirement aims to enhance safety on the roads by ensuring drivers understand and follow traffic laws.