Stricter Driver Assessments Proposed for Mexican Federal Transport

In a concerted effort to enhance road safety and reduce the alarming number of traffic-related fatalities in Mexico, Deputy Enrique Godínez del Río of the National Action Party (PAN) is spearheading a legislative initiative. This proposal mandates that drivers of federal motor transport vehicles undergo a rigorous evaluation process, both theoretical and practical, to prove their proficiency in vehicle operation. These drivers must also complete mandatory training and refresher courses as stipulated by the regulations.

Key Provisions of the Initiative

The initiative aims to reform Article 36 of the Law of Roads, Bridges, and Federal Motor Transport, introducing several significant changes:

1. Comprehensive Assessment Requirement: The proposed reform stipulates that all drivers must pass a thorough assessment, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This assessment is intended to ensure that drivers are adequately prepared to operate federal motor transport vehicles safely.
2. Evaluation Protocol by SICT: The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) will be responsible for implementing an evaluation protocol. This protocol will be administered via an electronic platform that tracks and certifies attendance at all required courses. Additionally, the evaluation will be reapplied if a driver's license is suspended, ensuring continuous compliance and competency.
3. Alignment with Global Road Safety Goals: The initiative is rooted in international road safety objectives. In 2010, the United Nations declared the First Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve road traffic deaths by 2020. Although Mexico committed to this goal through the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, it fell short of achieving the desired reduction.
4. WHO's Global Plan for Road Safety 2021-2030: Following up on the UN's declaration, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a Global Plan outlining measures to reduce road traffic deaths using an integrated safe systems approach. This initiative aligns with the WHO's vision of future mobility and aims to implement similar strategies in Mexico.

According to the 2020 Mexico Road Safety Situation Report, road accidents claimed 14,673 lives in 2019, equating to 12 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Although this marked a 6.5% decrease from 2018, the figure remains unacceptably high. Specifically, bus and heavy transport vehicle occupants accounted for 230 deaths. Out of 390,870 road accidents that year, 12,056 occurred on federal highways, resulting in 8,501 injuries.

Statistics from the Statistical Yearbook of Collision on Federal Highways indicate that in 2022, drivers were responsible for 9,865 out of 14,067 accidents (70%). These figures underscore the critical need for comprehensive training and stringent assessments for federal motor transport drivers.

Harmonization with Existing Laws

Deputy Godínez del Río's proposal seeks to harmonize the Law of Roads, Bridges, and Federal Motor Transport with the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety. The latter offers a broader perspective on mobility and considers the current state of road safety in Mexico. By incorporating the concept of "comprehensive assessment," the initiative ensures that the training received by drivers is effectively evaluated.

An essential aspect of the initiative is the expansion of the training scope outlined in Article 36 of the Federal Highways, Bridges, and Motor Transport Law. The SICT will develop detailed training content, specifying each topic based on data from the Statistical Yearbooks of Collision on Federal Highways. This approach aims to standardize driver education nationally, moving beyond merely listing topics to providing in-depth coverage of each subject.

The initiative has garnered support from other deputies within the PAN parliamentary group. It has been forwarded by the Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union to the Communications and Transport Commission of the Chamber of Deputies for further deliberation.

Deputy Enrique Godínez del Río's legislative initiative represents a proactive step towards enhancing road safety in Mexico. By implementing comprehensive assessments, aligning with global road safety goals, and expanding training programs, this proposal aims to reduce road traffic fatalities and improve the overall competency of federal motor transport drivers. The successful adoption and implementation of this initiative could pave the way for a safer and more efficient transportation system in Mexico.