Proposed Trucking Regulation Aims to Reduce Speed-Related Accidents and Fatalities

The Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have proposed regulations to limit the speed of large trucks, buses and other large commercial vehicles while traveling on highways. The proposed regulation would require such large vehicles (weighing more than 26,000 pounds) to be equipped with an electrical speed limiting device to cap or limit the maximum speed of the vehicle to 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour. Vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds typically include multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and school buses, as well as big rigs, tractor trailers, dump trucks, and other large commercial work trucks/vehicles.

Truck Accident

The purpose of the proposed regulation is to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving large vehicles and to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Excessive speed is a contributing factor in 33.3% of all motor vehicle accidents, and 23% of all large truck accidents. According to the FMCSA, collisions involving large trucks and buses led to more than 4,000 deaths in 2014, and typically, speeding trucks and buses cause more than 1,000 fatalities each year. Proponents of the regulation estimate that limiting the speed limit of large trucks to 68 mph could save 27 to 96 lives each year in speed-related accidents. Furthermore, a maximum speed limit of 65 mph could save between 63 to 214 lives, and a maximum speed limit of 60 mph could save between 162 to 498 lives each year.

While the proposal is said to ensure that the country’s fleet of large commercial vehicles operate more efficiently, opponents in the trucking industry view the proposed regulation as an attempt by the government to interfere with “every single aspect of a truck driver’s business.” Opponents argue that the speed-limiting technology could actually create a safety hazard on the roads by causing roadblocks, traffic congestion, increased collisions, and road rage amongst drivers.

If approved, the regulation would not take effect until 2018. The trucking industry and other interested parties have until November 7, 2016, to comment on the regulation.

Tampa Tractor Trailer Accident Law Firm

The Tampa truck accident injury lawyers at Capaz Law Firm are experienced in handling and investigating large commercial truck accidents, including those involving large trucks, semi trucks, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs and other heavy commercial vehicles. If you or a family member has been injured in accident involving a semi truck, tractor trailer or commercial truck, contact the Capaz Law Firm. We will review your claim and develop an aggressive course of action for holding each negligent party responsible. Call 813-440-2700 for a free legal consultation.