The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to limit large truck speeds to 68 miles per hour.
Speed limits would be set at the time of vehicle manufacture, say ATA officials.
The ATA also has petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to prohibit the tampering or adjustment of the speed limiting devices to more than 68 miles per hour.
ATA officials say its action "is aimed at reducing the number and severity of speed-related crashes among all vehicles on U.S. highways.
"The federal government’s lack of focus on speed in crashes involving large trucks represents a significant gap in its truck safety strategy.
"The majority of the federal truck safety budget is focused on ensuring safe equipment, driver fatigue and preventing impaired driving, which the industry supports," they explain.
"Research indicates, however, that speed is a more significant factor in crashes involving trucks than any other factor that currently receives a larger proportion of government attention and resources."
