FMCSA/NHTSA seek comments on limiting truck speed

Jan. 29, 2007
Comments are being sought on establishing a federal regulation that would limit truck speeds and prohibit the adjustment of the speed-limiting devices, according to information published in the Federal Register January 26.

Comments are being sought on establishing a federal regulation that would limit truck speeds and prohibit the adjustment of the speed-limiting devices, according to information published in the Federal Register January 26.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), Road Safe America, and nine motor carriers have petitioned the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The carriers in favor of limiting truck speeds that cosigned the Road Safe America petition include Schneider National Inc, C R England Inc, H O Wolding Inc, ATS Intermodal LLC, Dart Transit Co, J B Hunt Transport Inc, US Xpress Inc, Covenant Transport Inc, and Jet Express Inc.

In 2006, ATA endorsed a move to limit the maximum speed of large trucks, at the time of manufacture, to no more than 68 miles-per-hour. In its petition to the federal agencies, ATA stated: "ATA analyzed five years of fatal truck-involved crash data. We found that in 20 percent of truck-involved crashes where speeding on the part of the truck driver was cited as a factor in the crash, and the truck's speed was recorded, the speed of the truck exceeded 68 mph. However, because the truck's speed is reported by investigating officers in only about half of truck-involved fatal crashes, it is impossible to determine the actual number of potential crashes that might be avoided by limiting top truck speed to 68 mph. However, reasonable assumptions can be made and ATA believes the number of fatal crashes that could be avoided is significant."

NHTSA and FMCSA are soliciting public comments to supplement a review of the material presented by the petitioners, along with an evaluation of data or other relevant information the agencies may already have, in conducting a technical review of the petitions. Comments must be submitted no later than March 27, 2007, according to the information.

More information about the issue can be seen by clicking here for the FMCSA/NHTSA comment requests.

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