The current DOT administration appears more determined to implement speed limiter regulations after expressing a desire to eliminate fatal high-speed truck accidents.
“We cannot tolerate the continuing crisis of roadway deaths in America. These deaths are preventable,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reportedly said.
Rulemaking efforts stalled in 2016 due to a lack of agreement over the MPH standards for Class 8 and 7 commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently published a Notice of Intent to move the process forward, disagreement persists.
Two of the most prominent trucking industry advocacy organizations demonstrate how opinions differ regarding speed limiters. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has shown support as far back as 2016. Officials at the ATA prefer to influence the MPH regulations and help set reasonable standards.
“ATA is pleased that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is pursuing a constructive, data-driven approach to the issue of truck speed limiters in its latest proposal,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear reportedly stated. “We intend to thoroughly review FMCSA’s proposal, and we look forward to working with the agency to shape a final rule that is consistent with our policy supporting the use of speed limiters in conjunction with numerous other safety technologies.”
The ATA expressed interest in speed limiter settings hovering around 70 MPH. During the 2016 rulemaking efforts, proposals including 60, 65, and 68 MPH were put forward. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing primarily small fleets and individual truckers, staunchly opposes speed limiter regulations.
“Studies and research have already proven what we were all taught long ago in driver’s ed classes, that traffic is safest when vehicles all travel at the same relative speed,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer reportedly stated. “Limiting trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic increases interactions between vehicles, which can lead to more crashes.”
Spencer also contends that the crash data points to the bulk of collisions occurring on stretches posted under 55 MPH. Recent polling data indicates that approximately 73 percent of fleet outfits utilize speed limiters with half setting the threshold at 70 MPH or slower. A reported 23.1 percent set limits higher, and 26.9 percent do not use them at all.
National Safety Council data indicates fatal truck accidents declined by 4 percent in 2020 after reaching a peak of 5,033 in 2019. All told, heavy-duty trucks were involved in 9 percent of fatal collisions while accounting for 10 percent of miles driven annually. Truckers and concerned stakeholders have an opportunity to provide the FMCSA with public comment. The question is: Would a federal speed limiter mandate make truck drivers and motorists safer?
Sources: fleetowner.com, fmcsa.com, ccjdigital.com
The question is: Would a federal speed limiter mandate make truck drivers and motorists safer?
The answer is: Absolutely yes!
With the sorry state of current drivers-especially owner operators-this type of mandated control is necessary. Just like ELD’s, breaks, random drug testing and rest periods.
Was filling up my new RV at a truckstop the other day and inside it looked like the Star Wars bar scene. I don’t blame normal people for not wanting to drive truck anymore. A better business idea would be to buy a lawnmower and a blower.
I’m sure glad I’m retired!