More than 1,200 U.S. truck drivers have been taken off the road after failing roadside English proficiency tests required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The effort, reinstated under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is meant to improve safety by making sure drivers can read traffic signs, complete paperwork, and communicate clearly.
The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division joined a national initiative during Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 13–17) to train and educate commercial vehicle drivers on identifying trafficking indicators like lack of control over personal documents, physical marking or branding, and suspicious vehicle activity. The outreach, conducted in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, highlights the role of CDL drivers as crucial observers in spotting and reporting trafficking on highways.
This Webcast focused on human trafficking and its impact on commercial drivers in Michigan courts. The presenter, Anita Laster-Mays, provided an overview of human trafficking, including its definition, various forms, legal aspects, and statistics. The discussion covered myths about trafficking, economic impacts, legislation, and the importance of recognizing signs and raising awareness to combat this widespread issue.