Dear editor:
While our legislators flounder around with Illegals and drivers licenses I would much rather they addressed non-domiciled Commercial Drivers License (CDLs).
Its very difficult to research the amount of non-residents that have CDLs because nobody tracks it.
If you ask google AI it tells you "The exact number of non-domiciled CDL holders is not readily available as specific data on this category is not widely tracked, but it's considered a relatively small portion of the overall CDL holder population, primarily consisting of individuals residing in foreign countries who obtain a CDL in the US while not being domiciled here; the number would likely vary significantly depending on the state and its regulations regarding non-domiciled CDL issuance."
I disagree. With the work I do, and the interface I have with truck drivers I believe that number to be very high. In any truck stop in Wyoming you will several different languages, mostly eastern European or Middle eastern.
Several times while working in Craig CO, we loaded trucks and I had to speak into a phone translator to communicate with the driver.
How is it that you can obtain a CDL and not be able to speak and Read English? I in the last two years have seen many truck accidents on I-80, too many.
From Omaha NE to Salt Lake seems to be the most dangerous road in the nation.
I think it would be in the best interest of the public to start drilling into this, researching it a bit and stop giving CDLs to folks that can't speak and read English.
I would be very interested in knowing how many accidents involve non-resident CDL holders.
The other thing I think would be a good idea is commissioning a study on adding another lane to I80 in congested areas.
Entering or exiting I80 in Rawlins, Rock Springs, Cheyenne can be hazardous to your health. I also would be interested in hearing the thoughts of resident truck drivers and get their take on it as well.
Sincerely,
Richard Nielsen, Gillette
