ATA Pleased to See DOT Advancing a Proposal to Reduce Truck Speeds

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the American Trucking Associations hailed a proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to electronically limit the maximum speeds of new trucks as a potential step forward for safety.

"We are pleased NHTSA and FMCSA have, almost 10 years after we first petitioned them, released this proposal to mandate the electronic limiting of commercial vehicle speeds," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "Speed is a major contributor to truck accidents and by reducing speeds, we believe we can contribute to a reduction in accidents and fatalities on our highways."

In 2006, ATA adopted a policy in favor of limiting the maximum speed of new trucks to 68 miles per hour. Later that year, the Association petitioned FMCSA and NHTSA to issue a regulation requiring their use. In 2008, as part of ATA's 18-point highway safety agenda, the federation endorsed a national speed limit of 65 mph for all vehicles.

"As an industry, we cannot be afraid of technology, but we also must make sure that technology has proven benefits," Spear said. "Carriers who already voluntarily use speed limiters have found significant safety, as well as fuel efficiency and equipment lifespan benefits with little to no negative impact on productivity. We will be carefully reviewing and commenting upon today's proposal."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

CONTACT: Sean McNally, 703-838-1995