Not So Fast: FMCSA Study Finds Benefits of Speed Limiters in Trucks

July 25, 2012

There are various factors that cause accidents involving large commercial vehicles like driver fatigue, overly heavy loads and distracted driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), however, has previously cited speeding as one of the top causes of deadly truck crashes. To help get truckers to slow down, the FMCSA commissioned a study on the safety benefits of requiring commercial vehicles to install speed limiters. The study results seemed to demonstrate that speed limiters prevent truck crashes.

Using Speed Limiters

Speed limiters are connected to a vehicle's computer system. Using a computer program, electronic control unit and data received from speed sensors, speed limiters monitor a vehicle's speed. Once a vehicle reaches the programmed top speed, speed limiters restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which slows down the vehicle without impacting the engine's power or performance. In addition to promoting safety by reducing speeds, speed limiters are useful because they encourage gas efficiency, prolong engine and brake life and reduce tire wear.

FMCSA Study Results

The FMCSA, in conjunction with the American Transportation Research Institute and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, performed the speed limiter study. Researchers analyzed data from around 138,000 trucks, including some with speed limiters, and 15,000 crashes. After concluding that around 15 percent of the truck accidents were speed limiter-relevant based on factors like location and crash type, researchers found that trucks with speed limiters experienced safety benefits and had a 50 percent lower crash rate.

Somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of commercial truck fleets already use speed limiters, so this safety technology has already been embraced by many truckers and trucking companies. While there are some costs to installing and maintaining speed limiters in commercial vehicles, the safety and other benefits far outweigh these minimal expenses. The recent FMCSA study confirms these safety benefits, as well as shows the commitment of the federal government to take action to prevent accidents involving commercial trucks.

Future Requirements

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been pushing the FMCSA to mandate speed limiters in commercial vehicles for years. The ATA has also encouraged the FMCSA to adopt a national speed limit of 65 miles per hour for all vehicles, because the organization believes that "slowing down traffic is the most important step toward improving highway safety." Requiring speed limiters in large trucks is one step toward slowing down traffic and preventing injuries and deaths. The rulemaking process for a proposed speed limiter rule is currently underway.

If you were recently involved in an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you investigate all the factors that caused your crash, whether speed, fatigue or otherwise, and work with you to help get the compensation you deserve to cover your injury-related medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Article provided by Nagle & Associates, P.A.
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