WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is taking its speed limiter battle from Toronto and Ottawa to Washington, D.C. this week.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the non-profit group Road Safe America are meeting with Congress this morning to push the ATA’s 18-point highway safety strategy, which includes mechanically limiting trucks to 65 mph.

OOIDA immediately retaliated by issuing a release stating the move would only make US roads more dangerous.

“Truck drivers need access to that power to keep up with the speed of traffic and to be able to maneuver around dangerous situations,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice-president. “We already have speed limits in this country, so we should instead enforce those laws more effectively.”

OOIDA contends the move is designed to set the stage for heavier, longer vehicles and that the ATA is attempting to “greenwash” the issue by citing environmental benefits.

“Large trucking companies speed limit their trucks because it is one way to manage a fleet,” said Spencer.  “With an operation of 100 or more trucks, you aren’t always sure who is handling your equipment and how they are treating it. But when driving your own truck, like the majority of the trucking industry, you are perfectly aware of what you are doing and have your own incentives to drive safely and efficiently.”