One simple but powerful change in trucking industry regulations could save hundreds of lives
In a major effort to make the nation's highways safer, nine leading trucking companies are joining with Road Safe America in petitioning for trucking industry regulations that would slow the maximum speed of large trucks.
By adding this requirement to commercial trucking regulations, tractor trailer drivers would still be able to operate efficiently and profitably, but the speed of their vehicles would be capped at 68mph.
Nine major carriers, led by Schneider National, are petitioning for federally mandated speed governors on heavy duty trucks. By adding this to the rules and regulations for trucking, these carriers are demonstrating commitment to making the nation's highways significantly safer.
Setting the cap on speeds will have a significant effect in reducing tractor trailer crashes and fatalities, which usually occur in the passenger cars involved in the crash. Adding this provision to existing trucking industry regulations will also reduce wear and tear on trucks, reduce fuel consumption and cut insurance costs.
Learn more about proposed trucking industry regulations.
Commercial trucking regulations don't currently require functional speed governors, a common sense regulation that will dramatically improve safety on the nation's roads
Road Safe America is leading the effort to require functional speed governors. According to an industry study, "traveling too fast for conditions" was the number one cause of large truck crashes where trucks were assigned a critical reason.
Don Osterberg, vice president of safety and training for Schneider National Inc., joined Road Safe America's Steve Owings in supporting what may be one of the most important change in commercial trucking regulations in the last 20 years.
"What's unique in this filing is that a core group of responsible carriers is stepping up and initiating a proactive change for improving public safety. This is good for drivers, good for the motoring public and good for the entire trucking industry." Said Osterberg.
In addition to Road Safe America, industry leaders supporting this call for tougher trucking industry regulations include Schneider National, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., CR England Inc., Covenant Transport Inc. and Dart Transit Company.