Read A Post Online About Speed Limiters,

http://www.livetrucking.com/ooidas-new-video-proves-why-speed-limiters-in-big-trucks-are-a-horrible-idea/

I think drivers can control own speed, I rather have that then a governor.

One would think that.

It's as much for fuel economy, as it is for safety reasons - despite the fact that the regulatory agencies pimp it for safety. A number of trucking associations and companies are also pushing for it.

It's a known fact that the faster you go - the more fuel you burn. And while we can kick around the fact that the EXPERIENCED DRIVER is the one piece of the puzzle that is best equipped to determine a speed "safe for conditions", we've all seen the ungoverned trucks go blowing by us on the highways.

The biggest issue I have (personally) with them (aside from creating an impediment to smooth traffic flow, when the speed limit exceeds the limiter), is that if you're running at max governed speed, and you need some extra bump to successfully complete a pass, or to get out of harms way - there's NOTHING LEFT THERE.

Transport Canada did a study on the safety implications of speed limiters. Interesting reading. A few Canadian Provinces have mandatory limiters, and the fines for not having one activated can be pretty ugly. U.S. trucks that operate cross border, are subject to the same regulations.

Rick

Rick has issues:

The biggest issue I have (personally) with them (aside from creating an impediment to smooth traffic flow, when the speed limit exceeds the limiter), is that if you're running at max governed speed, and you need some extra bump to successfully complete a pass, or to get out of harms way - there's NOTHING LEFT THERE.

In some 2016 Freightliner day cabs, Swift had a "speed up" option that gave the driver a 3mph boost, limited to 30 minutes total per 24 hours. That's a bump from 62 to 65. The 2017s don't seem to have this feature.

Too many people misunderstood the concept, got their 65mph jollies and still couldn't pass the Schneiders. 30 minutes of the extra 3mph got you home about 2 minutes faster. Used correctly, you could get around the slow trucks and maybe cross the finish line 10 minutes sooner.

Don,...I can sort of understand why you might think that. Especially after reading one piece of lobbying information that is clearly intended on swaying government officials and public opinion. It worked. But it's far from the Gospel Truth on the matter. Not going to try and change your mind, you are entitled to your opinion but there might be other things you haven't heard to also consider.

Regarding the link you posted; if OOIDA uses that as a lobbying tool it's rather weak, for a multitude of reasons. First of all they presented a rather large contradiction with their suggestion "the professional driver's foot" is the best tool and determinant of safe speed. Literally laughed out loud when I saw that. Their primary counter argument presented for speed limiting, the cat and mouse game with two trucks going about the same speed taking up both lanes, is not a good representation of how a professional should manage that scenario. My approach to a situation like that is to let the other driver pass me when I am in the right lane. Simple solution that most respectful, prudent, safety minded professionals will execute; "let 'em pass". If I see another truck in my mirror moving into the left lane to pass me, I will reduce my speed by a couple of mph to make it easier on them. Safe coexistence. So to suggest "the professional driver's foot is the best limiter of speed" is counter-intuitive to their primary argument. A professional driver's job while on the Interstate is to manage their space, and not allow themselves to be in a situation like "that" any longer than what is reasonably necessary. Even if every truck was ungoverned, any uphill grade encountered by a loaded rig is going to slow them down. It's inevitable. Speed reduction and recovery will vary greatly depending on weight, mechanical health of the truck and basic power. Eliminating speed governance technology won't change that.

MPG savings is also a highly subjective argument because so many factors determine fuel consumption; terrain, weight, mechanical condition of the truck, driver skill and even weather. Be that as it may, there was an O/O who posted information a few months back that basically stated he increased his profit by reducing his speed when he stopped running his truck "flat-out". It took him a while to figure that out, but once he did, he managed his speed accordingly increasing his average MPG. The fuel consumption curve increases exponentially as speed increases...not a flat line, but an upward curve. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. Again, a factual concept that Rick already offered.

The other point OOIDA failed to mention is tire speed rating. The majority of steer tires are rated at a maximum speed of 70mph. Especially true for the large TL carriers most of us work for. Without some level of speed governance, the risk of a tire related failure can increase, especially in the scorching summer heat (think Texas, Cali, or Arizona). The faster you drive, the hotter your tires get, thus increasing internal air-pressure. Think about that as you sweep through a high-speed curve...at 77mph in your ungoverned truck after driving at that speed in 100' heat for 6 consecutive hours.

Now...for the biased information, and no offense is intended. There are many drivers who although are "paid" to operate a CMV , are far from a true "professional". I see way too much evidence clearly supporting that; chronic texting, tailgating, distracted driving, aggressive lane-changing, driving too fast for conditions, inability to maintain a lane, and many times an overall lack of skill and control. Spend some time out here and you will begin to understand what I mean,...it will shock you. So to assume that every CMV is operated professionally is completely false.

Don once you graduate with CDL , hire-on with your employer and begin road-training, you are not skilled enough or experienced to the extent you can safely operate an 80,000lb truck at 70+ mph, especially on undulating and circuitous highways with moderately heavy traffic. Nothing will convince me otherwise, not OOIDA, not the government, and definitely not some Academic who wouldn't know a Jake brake from a lug-nut. And down-hill running? Forget the governor,...if I "let-go" of my truck and let it run out on a long downhill, I'd be quickly facing the potential for an 85mph speeding ticket. Learning how to control your loaded truck is the single most important skill you will learn while training, the speed governor can help reduce the risk of a situation where too much speed can get you into serious trouble.

For me personally? Yes I'd like the ability to consistently drive the speed limit when it's 65-70mph. Consider though I have almost 5 years of experience and completely understand and respect the forces that are behind me. But I also understand and accept the science and statistics supporting the need for the speed limiting technology. It's not a quandary for me. In the grand scheme of things, speed governance (Swift is 62-63mph) does not reduce my income potential or my enjoyment of the job.