Index Journal Editorial: Driver’s license tests - Should English prevail?
Filed Under Caucus, Top News, McConnell
There are good reasons to make English the “official” language of this nation, although there are arguments on both sides of the question. It’s the kind of thing that stirs emotions and that can overwhelm some of the more down to earth realities that influence lives ….. and deaths.
State Senator Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, President Pro Tempore of the Senate puts it in proper perspective that ought to get a lot of attention. He thinks South Carolina should stop giving driver’s license tests in foreign languages. In fact, he says if the Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t change its policy he will introduce legislation to force it to do so.
There are sure to be critics of that idea, but it’s not a punitive thought. It makes good sense ….. and it could save a lot of lives on the state’s highways.
FOR EXAMPLE, McCONNELL says drivers who don’t speak English cannot read highway message boards, which warn motorists about such things as traffic wrecks and tie-ups, kidnappings and hurricane evacuations. “Is it good public policy to give driver’s licenses to people who can’t speak, read or understand English?” McConnell asked.
The answer to that ought to be obvious to everyone. However, it doesn’t get the support of other officials ….. Governor Mark Sanford, for instance.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now gives the tests in Spanish, French and German in addition to English. A spokesman for the governor says he has no objections to that practice.
There may be practical reasons to give such tests. The governor’s office cited German employees of BMW working at the Greer auto plant. However, if there are special circumstances, why not address them on an individual basis instead of in general.
SURELY, WITH THE NUMBER of lawyers in state government, special provisions could be legally written. Nevertheless, if we continue to give wholesale driver’s license tests in foreign languages, how long will it be before someone brings a class action lawsuit to require road signs - and messages - be displayed in all the languages?
However, contrary to those who agree with multi-language testing, there is another very important consideration ….. or, at least it should be important. It apparently breaks state law. Some disagree with McConnell on this point, but the chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee says it’s the law.
If push came to shove, it’s a pretty good bet that a majority of South Carolinians would take McConnell’s side on this debate. It would not be surprising if the majority said no licenses should be given to anyone who can’t understand English.
This editorial appeared in the Greenwood Index Journal on July 18, 2007.
Comments
One Response to “Index Journal Editorial: Driver’s license tests - Should English prevail?”
Leave a Reply
I firmly believe that the drivers test should be in English only. People who cannot read and understand english are a hazard on the road.
For instance, if a bridge gets washed out and a highway sign is put in place to inform drivers to detour. Those who cannot read and understand the sign could drive into a disaster.