The Trump administration has announced plans to abandon an Obama-era proposal aimed at imposing a speed limit of 60 mph on trucks and buses. This initiative, which had been under discussion since 2016, was intended to reduce accidents involving heavy vehicles and improve fuel efficiency. Supporters of the plan estimated that it could save between 63 and 214 lives annually and reduce fuel and emissions costs by over $800 million.
However, officials from the Trump administration argue that implementing speed governors on vehicles over 26,000 pounds would increase trucking costs and potentially worsen traffic flow. They expressed concerns that lower speeds could delay deliveries, adversely affecting driver wages, and lead to greater congestion on secondary roads rather than highways. Henry Albert, an independent truck operator, indicated that while he understands the safety arguments, the economics of trucking incentivize maintaining speed.
The exact speed limit under consideration had not been confirmed, with options ranging from 60 to 68 mph, while many states allow limits as high as 75 or 80 mph for passenger vehicles. The decision to reject the proposal was backed by over 15,000 public comments and a sentiment among states that a national limit could infringe upon their rights. Additionally, advancements in safety technology, such as radar-assisted braking, were cited as mitigating factors since the proposal’s inception.
While the American Trucking Associations previously supported speed regulations, they seek a balance between deregulation and maintaining safety standards. There is increasing advocacy for technological solutions to speed management nationally. Albert emphasized the importance of stricter enforcement of existing speed limits to enhance road safety.
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