Prairie Public Broadcasting

Truckers pushing for lower speed limits BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The American Trucking Association is pushing to lower the national speed limit to 65.

And the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association is supporting that.

Motor Carriers managing director Tom Balzer says the lower speed limit would be safer...and would save on fuel.

"When trucking companies are paying over $4.50 for diesel, and regular drivers are paying almost $4 for gas, the time has come when there needs to be some lifestyle changes," said Balzer. "Slowing down would help with the cost of fuel. So the time is right."

Balzer says already, truckers are slowing down.

"We have a lot of trucking companies that cap their drivers at 62 miles an hour to 65 miles an hour," said Balzer. "From a safety perspective, asking the other drivers to reduce their speed would increase safety."

Balzer says he understands some members of Congress are hesitating -- because of the issue of the rights of states to set their own speed limits.

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