The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reopened a 2016 issue in May of 2022 regarding governing semi-trucks on the highways. Speeds of 60 – 68 have been discussed as possible limits on trucks, but nothing has been approved or agreed upon.
When the FMCSA issued the notice in May about the projected rule change, the purpose was to get feedback and response. The FMCSA received over 15,000 replies. Many of the responses were from owner-operators and small carriers. Many of these responses argued that reducing the truck’s speed could cause more harm than good.
Trucks that move at slower speeds could lead to more road rage cases when passenger vehicles cannot pass these trucks on the highways. Some even feel that it could add more stress to the driver themselves with delays and added hours to their workday. Some even believe that there may be situations where drivers speed in residential or construction zones trying to make up for lost time on the highway.
Groups that favor limiting the speed of trucks look at other countries such as Australia, Japan, and The European Union, and providences in Canada such as Ontario and Quebec and the reduced number of accidents and fatalities experienced since trucks have been governed. With trucks manufactured after 1990, being able to be governed goes in favor of the mandate. It sees this as an easy way to help improve safety on America’s highways.
The debate will continue whether you are for or opposed to the purpose mandate.