How Semi-Truck Speed Regulators Help Prevent Serious Crashes

Commercial trucks are a vital part of our nation’s economy, transporting everything from groceries to heavy machinery. But with their massive size and weight, large trucks also pose significant risks on the road—especially when traveling at high speeds. One crucial safety measure that has gained increasing attention is the use of speed regulators, also known as speed limiters or governors. These devices are designed to cap a truck’s maximum speed, thereby helping to prevent catastrophic accidents.

In this blog, we explore how truck speed regulators work, their role in reducing crash severity, and why many safety experts, government agencies, and trucking organizations support their mandatory use. We also present data that demonstrates their effectiveness in preventing injuries and saving lives in truck accidents.

What Are Truck Speed Governors?

A speed governor is an electronic device installed in a truck’s engine control unit (ECU) that limits the vehicle’s top speed. These systems are often factory-installed by manufacturers or retrofitted by fleet owners. Truck speed governors can be programmed to restrict a truck’s speed to a specific limit—typically between 60 and 70 mph.

Speed governors work by controlling the engine’s fuel injection or throttle, preventing the truck from exceeding the preset limit. Unlike cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, a governor ensures the vehicle never surpasses a safe maximum, even when going downhill or with a heavy load.

The Dangers of High-Speed Trucking

The size and momentum of large trucks make high-speed crashes especially dangerous. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take the length of two football fields to stop when traveling at highway speeds.

When these vehicles are traveling faster than 65 mph, the potential for severe injury or fatality in a crash increases significantly. A 2019 study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that higher speed limits contributed to a 22% increase in fatal crashes involving trucks since 2009.

In 2021 alone, 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, marking a 17% increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these semi-truck accidents occurred on highways where speed was a major factor.

How Speed Governors Prevent Crashes

1. Reduced Stopping Distance

When a truck is traveling at a lower speed, it takes less time and distance to stop. A truck traveling at 65 mph instead of 75 mph can stop nearly 20% faster, greatly reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or catastrophic pileups.

2. Lower Crash Impact

The force of a crash increases exponentially with speed. A truck traveling at 75 mph carries more than twice the kinetic energy of one traveling at 55 mph. Reducing speed significantly decreases the energy transferred in a collision, lowering the risk of serious injury or death.

3. Better Reaction Time

Drivers have more time to react to road hazards, traffic congestion, or sudden braking by other vehicles when they are traveling at slower speeds. According to FMCSA research, slower trucks are less likely to be involved in loss-of-control accidents, which often occur at higher speeds.

Data Supporting Speed Governor Effectiveness

A 2012 study commissioned by the FMCSA and the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) examined crash data from 20 trucking companies, comparing vehicles with speed limiters to those without. The results were compelling:

• Trucks with speed limiters had a crash rate 50% lower than trucks without them.
• Speed-limited trucks were involved in 22 fewer crashes per 100 trucks annually.

Similarly, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation reported a 73% drop in speeding-related truck crashes after Canada implemented mandatory speed limiter laws for commercial trucks in 2009.

Industry and Government Support for Speed Regulators

There is growing momentum for federal regulation of truck speed limiters. In 2022, the FMCSA proposed a rule that would require speed limiters on all trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds. The proposal suggested capping speeds at 68 mph—a number supported by many safety advocates and insurance groups.

Organizations in support of mandatory speed limiters include:

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• American Trucking Associations (ATA)
• Road Safe America
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Concerns and Criticisms of Speed Governors

While most safety advocates support speed limiters, some truck drivers and smaller carriers have voiced concerns:

• Speed Differentials: Some argue that limiting trucks to lower speeds than surrounding traffic can cause congestion and increase the risk of collisions due to merging and passing maneuvers.
• Driver Fatigue: Opponents claim that slower speeds may require longer drive times, increasing fatigue risks.
• Competitive Disadvantage: Smaller carriers fear that mandated speed limits could put them at a competitive disadvantage compared to fleets that adopt higher limits or operate in states without enforcement.

However, these concerns are often outweighed by the clear safety benefits. Data from jurisdictions with mandatory limiters, such as Ontario and Europe, show no evidence of increased crash rates due to speed differentials.

The Real-World Impact of Speed Regulators

To understand the real-world impact of speed governors, consider the difference in crash outcomes:

• In 2016, a crash on I-70 in Colorado involved a semi-truck traveling over 85 mph down a steep grade. The crash killed four people and caused a massive fire. Investigators later said that excessive speed was the primary cause.
• In contrast, companies that implement speed governors have consistently reported fewer severe crashes, lower insurance premiums, and reduced fuel costs.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Speed Regulators

In addition to improving safety, speed limiters can also offer environmental and financial advantages:

• Fuel Efficiency: Trucks traveling at 65 mph use about 10% less fuel than those at 75 mph. This can mean thousands of dollars saved per vehicle each year.
• Lower Emissions: Reduced fuel consumption also translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, supporting broader environmental goals.
• Maintenance Savings: Lower speeds reduce tire wear and strain on braking systems, lowering maintenance costs over the long term.

The Road Ahead

Speed regulators are a proven, cost-effective technology that can dramatically reduce the number and severity of truck-related crashes. By limiting top speeds, these devices improve reaction times, decrease stopping distances, and reduce the overall impact of collisions.

As truck crash fatalities continue to rise, the case for mandatory speed governors grows stronger. Whether implemented through regulation or adopted voluntarily by fleet operators, these devices save lives, lower costs, and make our highways safer for everyone.

Contact the Experienced Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a 18-wheeler crash, it’s important to know your rights and get experienced legal help. Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect their own interests, but you don’t have to face them alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of dedicated Naperville trucking accident attorneys is here to investigate what caused the crash—including whether a speed limiter could have prevented it—and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.