Georgia Senator Co-Sponsors Bill to Restrict Tractor-Trailer Speeds

GEORGIA – According to a news report posted online at allongeorgia.com, a Georgia senator co-sponsored a bill to restrict the speeds tractor-trailers can drive in the country. The bill is bipartisan and proposes installation of equipment that would prohibit tractor-trailers from traveling above a set speed.* 

The bill was introduced by Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) and Chris Coons (D-Delaware) and proposes a limit of 65 mph on commercial trucks that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. If passed, the bill would require new trucks to come equipped with software that would limit the trucks’ ability to travel above 65 mph. Old trucks would have to have the software installed, as well. 

The bill also includes a provision that the U.S. Department of Transportation ensure the accuracy of speed-limiting software on commercial trucks, as well as the compliance of truckers in the country. Isakson said that the bill was created with safety in mind and intended to save lives on the roads. Currently, more than 1,100 deadly accidents occur annually involving large trucks on roadways with speed limits of 55 mph or higher.

“The majority of trucks on our roads already have speed-limiting technology built in, and the rest of the technologically advanced world has already put them to use to ensure drivers follow safe speeds,” Isakson said. “This legislation would officially enforce a long-awaited speed limit of 65 mph on large trucks and reduce the number of preventable fatalities on our busy roadways.” 

The bill has reportedly been endorsed by multiple organizations, including Road Safe America, the Truck Safety Coalition, and the Trucking Alliance. 

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Source:https://allongeorgia.com/georgia-state-politics/u-s-senators-file-bill-to-cap-speeds-of-tractor-trailers/