Tractor Trailer speed limit concerns

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We have an update on a story 28/22 News first told you about in February about placing mandated speed limiting devices on commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers.

28/22 News Reporter Iyee Jagne gives us the latest on what the federal motor carrier safety administration has decided and how CDL drivers feel about it.

After months of waiting on the possibility of using big rig speed limiter devices, there is still no decision. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA for short, has decided to postpone the matter until next year.

The Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, or OOIDA, says this will hurt the bottom line of those who own and drive big rigs if it is passed.

“Being able to run the speed limit and get loads delivered on time gives them somewhat of a competitive advantage over some bigger fleets that use speed limits as a driver management and fuel management tool,” stated Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA.

One owner-operator 28/22 News spoke with says he would mind the speed limiters if they don’t drop the speed below 70.

“But not 65 or 62 nothing less than 70 because that speed that 5 miles per hour makes a lot of difference to a truck driver,” explained Chris Ndirago, owner operator.

Pugh says this will also increase the risk of truck-involved accidents.

“When you slow cars down or trucks down say I think it’s every 10 mph difference you create extra 200 and some percent of interactions between cars and trucks meaning they have to pass each other that many more times. So you know interactions is where you have accidents,” said Pugh.

Another concern of owner-operators is that they will lose money because they will not be able to take as many loads per week.

“This county depends on transportation largely so if you reduce the effectiveness of transportation you’re reducing the effectiveness of the supply chain,” voiced Ndigaro.

Pugh says that the speed limits in place are already enough because everyone gets fined when they are caught breaking the speed limit. For truckers, they also face the risk of losing their license.

“There is already a system and something out there. It’s worked for over 100 years. Why are we trying to pick on one group of highway users again. If these things are so great put them on everything,” expressed Pugh.

Pugh was also a truck driver himself for more than 20 years.

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