Truckers are warning that a government plan to electronically limit the speed of tractor-trailers will lead to highway traffic jams and possibly an increase in deadly run-ins with cars. More than 150 people, most identifying themselves as independent truckers, have filed comments recently with the government about the proposed rule, unveiled last month by two federal agencies. There were only a few comments in favor.
The government has proposed requiring electronic speed limiters on all trucks and buses over 26,000 pounds (11,794 kilograms) manufactured after the regulation goes into effect. Speeds could be limited to 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour (97, 105, or 109 kilometers per hour) when the rule is finalized after a comment period that ends Nov. 7.
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Guests:
Russ Rader, senior vice president of communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which represents hundreds of thousands of independent owner-operators in all 50 states