The Issue

Speed limiters are programs or micro-chips that may be implemented within a vehicle’s engine computer system to prevent it from being driven more than a predetermined speed. At this time, the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec have regulations requiring that commercial trucks be electronically limited to 105 km/h (about 65 mph).

In the United States, there are entities pushing mandates requiring speed limiters on commercial trucks.

The Association contends speed limiters actually present a tremendous safety hazard for all highway users and will eventually hurt trade. Limiting the maximum speed of trucks to a speed lower than the posted limit in several other Canadian provinces and a number of U.S. states creates speed differentials, increasing the likelihood of dangerous interactions between vehicles.

Research has long held that highways are safest when all vehicles travel at a uniform speed. Also, a survey of OOIDA members indicates very few U.S. owner-operators continue to drive into Canada since the new legislation went into effect.

 A study conducted by the University of Arkansas showed that speed limit differences between trucks and cars increase speed differentials, which create more dangerous interactions between trucks and cars. Also, a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute shows that speed limited trucks are overrepresented in rear-end fatalities involving large trucks. Only 4 percent of all trucks are speed limited, yet half of the rear-end fatalities involving trucks were with speed-limited trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s large truck crash causation study showed that there were no fatalities in crashes above 70 mph.

The Status (update 08-04-09)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated a rulemaking to speed limit trucks based on pleas from large motor carriers even though there is no data to support any safety benefits to speed limiting trucks.

What we can do

Members and concerned citizens should contact their U.S. lawmakers to relay their concerns by faxing a short letter to their lawmakers, plus send a copy to OOIDA 816-427-4468. Letters outlining personal experiences with speed limiters and detailing safety concerns go a long way toward educating lawmakers.