Momentum Builds for Road Safety Legislation with Rep. Finstad Support

For Immediate Release

Momentum Builds for Road Safety Legislation with Rep. Finstad Support

Restricted truck speeds mean rolling roadblocks, road rage

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) today applauded U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) for his cosponsoring the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act (H.R. 3039). The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representative Josh Brecheen (R-OK) to prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from promulgating any rule or regulation mandating speed limiters on large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). A U.S. Senate version of the legislation ((S. 2671) has also been introduced.

Speed limiting devices on large trucks have been proven to create unnecessary congestion and dangerous speed differentials among vehicles. This results in higher rates of vehicle interaction and higher crash rates.

“As a farmer who hauls grain in a semi-truck, I know firsthand that mandated speed-limiters do not enhance roadway safety, but can instead inhibit drivers’ ability to avoid interactions with passenger vehicles,” said Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01). “Rather than prioritizing safety, FMCSA’s proposed rule would only impose more burdensome government regulations that hurt farmers, truckers, and commercial businesses, which is why I’m proud to support the DRIVE Act.”

“Forcing trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic increases interactions between vehicles and leads to more crashes. It’ll be like an obstacle course for passenger vehicle drivers on our highways,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members in small business trucking across America thank Representative Finstad for his leadership in working to keep our roadways safe for truckers and for all road users.”

“A mandated speed limiter rule on trucks would cause rolling traffic jams on many interstate highways, where there’s varying terrain or when trying to pass two or more governed trucks. The resulting speed differentials between governed trucks and private vehicles will reduce highway safety. Thus, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies heartily supports the DRIVE Act,” said David Owen, President, National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

“Cattle producers have full faith in our highly trained livestock haulers. Adding another piece of government-mandated technology to their trucks will make them less prepared to adjust to road conditions while actually making the roads less safe. NCBA is a strong supporter of the DRIVE Act,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson.

The DRIVE Act was introduced in response to an FMCSA rulemaking proposal announced in April 2022. The agency has received more than 15,000 comments on the proposal, the majority from truck drivers expressing opposition.

Supportive Organizations

American Farm Bureau Federation
Livestock Marketing Association
National Association of Small Trucking Companies
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
Towing and Recovery Association of America.
Western States Trucking Association

Additional Resources

Video: Speed Limiters 101
Video: OOIDA Congressional Testimony
University of Arkansas Study
OOIDA Foundation Research

RECENT PRESS RELEASES:
Momentum Builds for Truck Parking, Road Safety Legislation with Senator Casey’s Support
OOIDA Applauds Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Reverse 1938 Law Denying Truckers Overtime Pay
Truckers for Troops® 17th annual campaign begins during Veterans Day week

The post Momentum Builds for Road Safety Legislation with Rep. Finstad Support appeared first on OOIDA.