Overdrive

October 2016

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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28 | Overdrive | October 2016 T he opposing sides in the speed limiter debate have one thing in common: They both believe accident data proves their stance is the safest. Their arguments are being filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation now that the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a limiter mandate, published Sept. 7, is up for public com- ment through Nov. 7. Pending at press time were filings for a 30-day extension by the American Trucking Associations and a 60-day extension by the Owner- Operator Independent Drivers Association. Proponents' key point is that capping truck speeds will reduce the number of truck-involved crashes. They also see speed limiters as a means to increase fuel economy, which would cut carriers' costs and reduce emissions. Opponents of the rule argue the opposite regarding safety, saying that the resulting speed differential between trucks and other vehicles would put all drivers at greater risk. Detractors of the rule also argue a speed governor mandate would create more "rolling roadblocks" when trucks are in both lanes, making highways more inef- ficient, frustrating and unsafe for all. For truckers already encumbered by an ever-expanding regulatory environment, it would add yet another restriction to their ability to perform their jobs. Many large fleets have capped truck speeds for years, often in the low to mid-60s. The American Trucking Associations and other mandate advo- cates point to those fleets' safety records as strong evidence for requiring gover- nors. Schneider Chief Executive Mark Rourke, speaking in September at the 2016 FTR Conference, said fuel econo- my has gone up and crashes have gone down since his fleet began using limiters in 2009. "The best thing you can do for [fuel economy] and safety is lower speeds," he said. Most studies on speed limiters point to safety benefits, while opponents argue that's trumped by the risks of speed differentials. BY JAMES JAILLET Pushing the limit Max Heine Instances of on-highway "rolling roadblocks" – two trucks blocking both lanes – would increase under DOT's proposed speed limiter mandate, opponents of the rule argue. This would make highways more inefficient and less safe, they claim.

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