Many fleet companies began equipping their tractor-trailers with electronic controlled modules (ECMs), also known as “speed governors,” some years ago. They did so to ensure that their truckers couldn’t travel faster than a certain speed.
Some research shows that these governors have led to a reduction in truck accidents.
How much safer are trucks equipped with electronic controlled modules?
Data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) captures how motorists who allow their speed to deviate from the normal traffic flow are most apt to have an accident. The operation of a vehicle at either a faster or slower pace than other motorists can lead to an accident.
That same data shows that at least 21% of large truck crashes are attributable to truckers traveling too fast.
Many critics use these statistics to justify why equipping tractor-trailers with speed governors is far more costly than beneficial in reducing crashes. The critics argue that truckers are more apt to speed up, making up for time lost in congested construction zones. They argue that ECMs would cause a trucker to travel up to 55 miles less each day if they were in place across all trucks.
What you can do if a reckless trucker injured you
Speeding is only one type of reckless driving behavior that motorists must look for when sharing the road with truckers. There are also drowsy, distracted, intoxicated, and other driving behaviors that can also result in a catastrophic crash.
Ohio law does allow individuals who suffer injuries to hold the motorist who hurts them accountable for their negligence. An attorney can advise you of your right to the Mansfield and Sandusky, OH motorist who left you with life-altering injuries liable for their actions in your case.