Speed Limiters

Oct 1

What is the Issue?

High-speed crashes involving class 7 and 8 trucks (those that weigh over 26,000 pounds) can be catastrophic, but they can also be avoided. Trucks of this size have been equipped with speed limiter technology for decades (built in since the 1990’s). Unfortunately, this technology is still not required to be used, despite nearly all of these trucks already having this capability.

Not mandating the use of this safety device allows and even encourages some truck drivers to use speed as a competitive advantage against the many safe companies who voluntarily limit the maximum speed at which their fleet can operate.

Why does it matter?

Speeding has been recognized as a major safety issue for years. When they speed, truck drivers reduce their ability to stop safely in an emergency, thus increase their potential to cause serious harm if they are involved in a collision.

What is the solution?

Truck drivers should be required to use their speed limiters when operating trucks over 26,000 pounds. Ask your Senator to support Senate Bill 3005 (2020 bill) which mandates the use of speed limiters in our heaviest vehicles. You can find more talking points and links to contact your Senators here.

Speed Limiters Improve Safety

A study conducted by the Unites States Department of Transportation concluded that trucks using speed limiters were in half as many high-speed collisions as those not using their speed limiters.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, high speed-related, truck-at-fault crashes fell by 73% after mandatory speed limiter technology took effect there in 2009.

According to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, limiting the speed of heavy vehicles to 65-68 mph would save 27-214 U.S. lives annually.

Dozens of countries require speed limiter use by their biggest trucks at reasonable top speeds. Not a single country has ever reversed this policy.

Speed Limiters Are Cost Effective

Speed limiting capability is already on all large trucks with electronic engines (making up the vast majority of trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds) so there is no capital cost for this technology.

Limiting speeds to 65 mph helps improve fuel efficiency resulting in savings for motor carriers of all sizes. It also helps reduce maintenance costs for brakes and tires.

Speed Limiters Are Supported by the Public

Public Support for the Required Use of Speed Limiters in Large Trucks.

You can add to the 79% of the public who support mandating the use of speed limiters in heavy trucks by contacting your Senators and encouraging them to support Senate Bill 3005.