Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary, made an announcement on August 26 that FMCSA and NHTSA suggest installing speed limiting devices on heavy duty vehicles. The devices would be set to a maximum speed which would increase the safety on American roads and save over a billion dollars in fuel costs annually.
According to Foxx, the proposed rulemaking brings great safety benefits, as well as emissions and fuel savings that will benefit environment and energy conservation.
The new safety standards would require all new trucks, buses manufactured in the United States, as well as other vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with speed limiters. The limit can be either 60, 65 and 68 miles per hour, but other limits will also be considered based on public comment.
Mark Rosekind, NHTSA Administrator, says that even the smallest speed increase has effect on the force of impact, and that is why the proposal will help safety and environment.
According to T.F. Scott Darling III, FMCSA Administrator, the proposal will make the roads safer while ensuring fuel efficiency of large commercial vehicles.
Commercial vehicle operators would be responsible for keeping the speed limiting devices at or below the determined maximums speed.
The agencies encourage public to submit comments here.
This article struck me in a couple of ways. First, I’m all for safety and understand the need to look at all aspects of highway safety precautions. I also understand the fuel and emissions benefit. I guess my problem with this is, that the industry as so regulated as it is, this is just “one more governmental regulation” added to the burden.
After reading this, I have somewhat of a peace of mind. Speed limits for heavy duty vehicles is important. Many people have lost their lives in accidents involving larger vehicles. I dont know if these speed limits will prevent them , but it will help reduce them and keep the environment safer.