Mandatory speed limiters could increase driver safety

Many commercial truck operators feel pressure to pack and deliver their loads efficiently. While a good work ethic is generally encouraged by most employers of these individuals, those who focus more on their speed than their safety could put themselves - and everyone else on the road - in danger.

As a result, legislators are taking action to ensure truckers are moving at an acceptable pace.

Truckinginfo reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expected to announce the launch of a rulemaking process that will examine the benefits of speed limiters on commercial vehicles.

This initiative is coming on the heels of the implementation of CSA 2010, and was requested by the American Trucking Associations and Road Safe America. In 2006, both organizations lobbied the administration to create a rule that would result in speed limiters on nearly all large trucks. Their intent was to ensure that no vehicles carrying the devices would drive faster than 68 miles per hour.

According to the news source, the NHTSA is expected to announce these efforts on Monday, and release a notice of proposed rulemaking by 2012.

Earlier this month, Road Safe America expressed its support for a Highway Safety Bill, which also included provisions for speed limiters. 

Mandatory speed limiters could increase driver safety

Thursday, December 30th, 2010