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The Speed Limiter Setback: What It Means for Buffalo Truck Accident Victims

July 11, 2025

If you've been involved in a truck accident in Buffalo or the surrounding region, you know how quickly life can change in an instant.

Tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles pose a serious threat when operated at unsafe speeds. That’s why many in the safety and legal communities were dismayed to learn that the federal government recently withdrew a proposed rule that would have required speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.

What Are Speed Limiters and Why Do They Matter?

Speed limiters are electronic devices that cap a vehicle’s maximum speed. Many trucking companies across the U.S. and right here in New York already use them voluntarily. Why? Because they save lives.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s own research, speed limiters:

Reduce the risk of fatal and severe crashes
Improve fuel efficiency
Lower maintenance and insurance costs
Promote consistent, responsible driving behavior

In fact, most fatal truck accidents are linked to speeding, and many of those crashes could be prevented with mandatory speed-limiting technology.

A Dangerous Reversal in Safety Policy

The recent decision by the Administration to abandon the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) proposed speed limiter rule has sparked outrage among road safety advocates, including the Institute for Safer Trucking and Road Safe America. These organizations called the move a dangerous step backward that disregards both data and the safety practices already in place at many responsible trucking companies.

This policy reversal is especially troubling in places like Buffalo, where busy interstates like I-90, I-290, and I-190 see constant heavy truck traffic. Without speed limiters, the risk of high-speed crashes—and severe injuries to local drivers—goes up dramatically.

How This Affects Buffalo Truck Accident Victims

For anyone who has suffered injuries in a Buffalo truck accident, the withdrawal of this rule can become a personal issue.

When a crash occurs because a truck was traveling at an unsafe speed, it’s not just the driver who may be held accountable. The trucking company’s policies (or lack thereof) can play a critical role in your case.

As Buffalo truck accident attorneys, we fight for victims of truck accidents and hold negligent companies accountable. When companies choose not to use proven safety tools like speed limiters, they put profits over people. That’s unacceptable.

What You Can Do

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Buffalo truck accident attorney who understands the complexities of commercial trucking cases. We can investigate whether the trucking company:

Failed to use a speed limiter
Allowed or encouraged unsafe driving practices
Ignored industry safety standards

You deserve answers and justice.

Contact a Buffalo Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let a trucking company’s negligence go unanswered. If you've been injured in a Buffalo truck accident, call us at (716) 854-0700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

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