The Owner-Operator Independent Driver Assn. (OOIDA) has sharply criticized the U.S. Dept. of Transportation for its proposal to require speed limiters on trucks over 26,000 lb.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requested comments on the proposal after the American Trucking Assns. petitioned the agencies for the mandate last fall.
He added that "very few" highway accidents involve trucks operating at speeds greater than 68 mph, the suggested ceiling for speed limited-trucks in the proposal.
"There is nothing desirable about turning trucks into rolling roadblocks and obstacles for other drivers," said Spencer.
The speed limiter debate certainly isn't a new one north of the border. In 2005, the Ontario Trucking Assn. (OTA), which is a member of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, called on the provincial government to limit trucks to no more than 105 kph (65 mph). OTA said such a mandate would save fuel and promote safer highways.