how do i un-govern my truck? it only goes 63mph

I think first of all the only people making regulations should be people who have spent a month or two in a truck and know the real story. Cars and their impatient drivers are the biggest problem. What no one here has discussed and is very important is that owner/operators...they don't get paid if they are off the road..so wrecks are not something they want to be in...that truck cost upwards or over 100,000 and the paycheck stops instantly if they can't drive it. My husband runs our truck and he drives the speed limit, follows the rules and the only problems he's ever had were caused by the car....He's a professional driver...and has never had a ticket or caused an accident in his truck or our car. Another point to think of is how difficult your life would when every state has DIFFERENT rules...different speeds, load limits etc. They have a hard job and most people treat them like a dumb driver. Lets see everyone putting them down figure out how to load a truck to be legal, follow the rules in 6 states when going to unload and then make sure he is legally strapped. I look at it this way..you're driving on their job site..so be respectful and if you see a bad trucker speeding or being unsafe...CALL IT IN! Truckers that follow the rules don't like them any better than you. We've had one back into our truck...if you can't back up a semi with trailer..you shouldn't be driving!

As some have stated, thee problem is not the trucks but the morons who are on the road with them.You cut in when a tractor slows down for safety space in front, yoyu think because you pay taxes you can ignore the rule of slower traffic keep to the right, and you can't get the stupid cell phone out of you're ear because your "dying" to talk nonsense to someone at the other end.These are the imbeciles that should be regulated off the road.Sure, there are a few bad truck drivers out there, but for the most part they are a bunch of hard working men and women who are trying to make a living in this hard economy.Just let them stop driving for one week and you whining idiots won't have to worry about it, because you won't have gas to go on the roads, or food to eat, or anything else.So shut up ,get out of the way, get your heads out of your behinds and learn how to drive with respect on the roads, and thank a trucker when you can!

a "co-worker" who's husband is a truck driver says "ALL TRUCKS HAVE GOVERNORS SO THEY CAN'T GO OVER 65". I'm saying - I don't think so..... Help settle a bet. please......

What we do not have in USA are Tac-a-graphs. This instrument is common in big rigs in Europe. It simply records a drivers speed on a chart over 24 hour charting periods. By most European laws, a big rig driver can be ticketed for speeding if the graph shows hey have exceeded the speed limit.

A tac-a-graph does the same thing as a governor/cruise control, except that it gives the driver the flexibility of speed and power in situations like uphill climbs and passing of slower vehicles.
Think about it... a truck governed at 62 mph passing anothertruck gverned at 61mph can hold a lot of traffic up trying to pass.

I am a truck driver and a speeding truck can kill me. My company limits our speed at 65mph. It is fast enough. With cell phones and computers in trucks they don't need to go any faster.

I have no problem with governors on big rigs if you also put governors on every other vehicle on the road. I drive a motorhome and cruise at 60 to 65 mph. I see more cars, pickups and motorcycles speeding than I see truckers. Truckers don't cut in and out of traffic like cars, pickups and motorcycles do. So if governors are placed on big rigs; also put them on cars, pickups and motorcycles at a slower speed than the big rigs.

Governors save lives, no doubt about it. That being said, it's just a way to enforce the law anyway isn't it? Couldn't all cars have a governor set at whatever the max speed limit is, I think it's 80 in parts of Montana and Mississippi, sounds like plenty to me.

There's really no good argument against that is there? What, "I should be able to break the law if I feel like it?" For the enthusiasts out there, remember, I didn't say how fast you could get up to 80 . . . smoke 'em if you got 'em, right?

I'd settle for a law proscribing trucks from tailgating me on the Interstate when I'm already going 5 to 10 MPH over the limit. Why are you less than 50 feet behind me?

I have been a traveling salesman for 35 years. The most dangerous thing on the highway, except possibly the drunk driver, is the speeding 18 wheeler. They should all be limited to 55mph nationwide, with a governor to enforce the law. This one action would save countless deaths and injuries, mostly to 4 wheel drivers I might add. This would be good for the fuel crunch, and wonderful for most of the driving public's nerves. Also, they tear up the roads, and no, I don't care how much extra tax they pay.

I think trucks should drive as fast ad cars where roads are basically straight. If we all drove about the same speed we wouldn't have so many chances to collide with the big rigs.
I once drove a rental truck across much of the country and really enjoyed the states that had the same 75 MPH speed limit for trucks as cars. I do think that on hilly and windy roads that trucks should definitely go slower, but on straight roads, I feel safer when the trucks drive at the car's speed limit.

I drive an 18 wheeler and have done so for 11 years. I drive a governed truck that goes 68mph but has an option to pass with aproximately 3 more mph for 30 minutes every ten hours. This is very acceptable to me and provides a safe speed, ability to pass, and enough speed to make a living. All vehicles should be speed restricted at some limit arrived at by law. I don't understand how cars or trucks are allowed the ability to break the speed laws of every state in the union. Uniform speed for all vehicles would reduce the unnecessary slaughter on our highways by the general reduction of speed, reducing the lane changing that causes so many accidents, and reduce the tailgating so many aggressive drivers use to intimidate others. Slow drivers should also be forced to a minimum speed to keep the flow of traffic more consistant. Many of the minimums on the signs now are just too slow to provide for a safe flow. With uniform speeds and some common sense on being considerate, I believe we could be safer and more relaxed in our drives. All truckers are not out to get smaller vehicles nor are all cars inconsiderate, we are all in a hurry to get where we want in a system that lets egos control our emotions and our lead feet.

There are new signs up on Georgia Interstates that says give clearance to trucks or get a ticket. I say truckers, don't jam up the right lanes and keep "fourwheelers" from getting in your lane to get further to the left lanes. Contrary to what you believe, TRUCKERS DO NOT OWN THE ROAD!!!!

I don’t believe in mandating the use of governors for trucks. If a company or independent wants to use them, that is different. That said, I do think some things need to change with trucking laws and safety standards: - Out law the use of retread tires. 'Tired' of dodging large rubber strips on the highways which cause accidents. - Out law trucks in the Left-lane of interstate highways (same law as used in GA and some other states). Keeps traffic flowing more smoothly and reduces traffic bog downs. Trucks should not be in the left lane(s) of any interstate highway. There is no need except in emergencies and when mandated for safety. This single law would dramatically reduce the instances were cars cut around trucks on the right and reduce the instances where cars weave in-and-out of the path of trucks. - 80 down the hill and 40 up the hill or blowing by the car while running down a hill to maintain momentum to go up a hill. Applies to the left lane and the use of governors. A truck should simply stay in the right lane; maintain the speed limit and when momentum slows the truck down, simply turn-on safety flashers. Cars can safely and efficiently pass on the left side of the truck. - Mandate the use of spray reducers which go around the trailer or truck cargo area (currently used in EU). Tired of zero visibility when near a truck when it rains. - Check for hanging chains, attachments and in particular the chrome attachments which seem to find their way on the road surface when inspecting trucks at truck safety checks or during weigh stations (‘chicken coops’ as the truckers say). Truckers believe that hanging chains are normal for car carriers (parking lots). They are a safety hazard generating a combustible spark as they travel down the road. - Out law the use of dump trucks that are not ‘completely’ covered and sealed prior to driving on any road. Too many broken windshields and those ‘I am not responsible for anything from the road’ signs are ridiculous. If it comes from your truck, bounces off the road and hits another vehicle causing damage; yes, you are responsible. - Lane merging. Trucks seem to take it as their 'code of ethics' to hold cars in lanes instead of letting traffic flow naturally and merge normally. - Governor pass. Truck one is governed at 55. Truck two is governed at 56. Truck two passes truck one and takes five miles to complete the pass. Meanwhile a ten mile backup has built-up behind the passing truck two. Once completed, truck two is now able to travel 1 mile an hour faster, which accomplishes absolutely nothing. - Rest stops – Provide tuck dedicated areas and car dedicated areas. Seems that most rest stops are inundated with trucks at night and no room for a car. Share the facilities, we also pay taxes…

this is for jeanne in anchorage alaska. you say you want to see trucks slowed,to save lives. this was tried 20 years ago. it was called "split speed limit". after several years of 55 mph truck limit, and 65 or 70 auto limit someone finally realized that the disparity in the speed limit had in fact caused "MORE DEATHS"and was finally repealed in most states. The states that still have the split limit,which you can count on 1 hand, keep it in place as a "revenue getter"

I have driven trucks for 40 yrs. There are some "bad apples"ot there. I find that most car/truck accidents are caused by the unattentive uncaring "4 whleeler"Education, not speed reduction is the answer. Most trucks owned by the major corporations are already governored to 65-70 mph. What do they want us to do? just creep along"? That new tv or car or your grocerices would cost more because of the extra time taken to deliver. Emphatic NO for "more" governing. Yes to education of the public on weaving "in and out", quick stopping,and the forever famous "cutoff"

most major companies set their truck speeds at 65-70 by co mechanics.the slower you go the more likelyhood of an accident.autos are not considerate

Commercial trucks are involved in about 2% of the automotive accidents that happen nation wide. If you want to improve road safety, install governors on BOTH trucks and cars. If you aren't willing to install governors in cars, the least you can do it enforce the speed limits for all vehicles. Today's traffic laws are woefully unenforced.

Don't just target truck drivers when they are not the problem. Treat all drivers equally.

My husband is a truck driver and he is always talking about 4 wheelers and how they drive. He says 4 wheelers don't respect trucks and are always driving stupid and dangerous around them. So I think the trucks should go at the regular speed limit.

In the US, we love to blame speed for everything, but other countries repeatedly prove high speeds and safety can co-exist. The real problem is poor training. If we took the approach of Germany or UK, we could save TONS of money by not building cars that can compensate for idiocy.

Like Sammy said, the problem with truck governors comes when one governed to 56.5 mph passes another governed to 56. Meanwhile, double stacks of drivers behind become irate. Is it any wonder they take poor chances to get by?

I wish the US would adopt the European practice of restricting large trucks to the right hand lane of multi-lane highways. How often have you been trapped by these road hogs attempting yo "pass" one another?

If you want to be more accurate, it's 75% of all accidents between cars & big rigs are CAUSED by the cars. See this on Dot.gov.Don't always be so quick to blame truck drivers for accidents.People do this for insurance payoffs as well. * DON'T CUT IN FRONT OF BIG RIG and clip the truck's front bumper trying to change lanes. * DON'T PASS ON RIGHT!! Trucks often change lanes to go around a vehicle(s) on the side of the road, then they get back over. Don't be too impatient waiting for the truck to get back into the right lane. When you pass on the right side of a truck, YOU ARE IN THE TRUCK'S BLIND SPOT. Despite all the mirrors, it's hard to see a small 4-wheeler sitting in blind spot. * DON'T PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY. Steer clear of trucks. Give them lots of room. Truckers try hard every day to NOT run over and kill bad car drivers. You should thank a trucker for their safety (for the most part), and thank a trucker for the things in your life that you enjoy. Stereo, car, clothes, home, jewelry, music, stuff, etc..
MyYango.Com Twitter/Soozrowan

his point is any moving vehicle over 1ton should have this.unless he is riding on 2 wheles.he wants one for himself.most all cars weigh over 2ooo pounds.the best i can remember the interstate system was made for military&commerical use.so if he rides on interstate he is the annoyance to us.if you dont think trucking is regulated.go to your local dot. get rules®. books including log book and see if you can follow same rules in car.

There are 80 mph limits in Texes and alot of states have 75 mph limits. Limiting all trucks is foolish. in the end you would end up with 30 and 40 long truck trains moving down the road unable to pass each other.

This should be a federal LAW for all semi tractor-trailers and any moving vehicle that weighs over 1 ton. If there is anyone that needs to stay at or under 65MPH it's heavy trucks. Make this law and make the punishment for anyone that disables or modifies the governor SEVERE. I really don't blame truckers for anything other than being an annoyance on the road, it's the companies they work for or contract through that put the pressure on truckers to be quick and safe, almost an oxymoron. I know it's the cars, light trucks, motorcycles and SUVs that do most of the death on the road, DAH. But trucking is an industry that CAN and SHOULD be heavily regulated. And if being a trucker is just too tough and/or expensive, make a career change like I had to.

Sounds good to me for company drivers but not for owner\operators. I don't want anymore government in my life. But how about a device that forces the trucker to look in their mirrors BEFORE making a lane change. A high percentage of my fellow drivers proceed to change lane, then put on their signal, then look.

Law enforcement is busy enough! If truck speed governors will allow law enforcement officers to focus more on other aspects of their job, while still maintaining public safety, I say approve it!

I am not a trucker, but my Dad was one for over 35 years. Instead of governing the speed of the trucks how about educate stupid car drivers that do not unstand what it takes to be a truck driver. I would not blame a truck driver that smashes into an idiot driver that cuts in front of a semi! I think it should be part of when you have to take the test when you get your license to understand why NOT to pull in frot of a semi. Be realistic. These men and women are making a living delivering the things that you buy in stores. Try to understand their side of the situation for a change.

I assure you as a 23 year truck driver that limiting the speeds of trucks at less than 80 mph is as dangerous as not. People will do some extreme things to get around a couple trucks who are forced to pass each other at 1 or 2 mph. Many times a trucks ability to accelerate are as important as being able to stop.
Most truck fatalities come from tailgating and falling asleep.......we are well monitored for speed. Having slower trucks bunched up on the highway will not lead to less accidents.

Most, (95%) or better truck drivers are
professionals. I cover 100 miles a day,
interstate. The idiots I see in cars,
pickups and suv's are unbelievable.
75-100 mph in 55 zones, zig zag, cut
you off, no turn signals etc. If a
trucker were to do this, he would
last a couple minutes before a cop
would nail him from all the cell
phone calls. Go ahead and vote for
more nanny state gov. laws. The next
time your in Wal Mart looking for
toilet paper, beer and mayonaise,
your speed governor vote killed
the J.I.T. system. Or maybe your
heart meds are just now leaving
CA. bound for ATL. 20/285/85/75.

Libertarians are idealistic nuts. It's one thing to talk about freedom, but what about responsibility? Unfortunately, most people don't want to take responsibility for the results of their poor freedom of choice. Hence are current financial implosion. Governors are a great idea.

Not all annuity sales are bad I am a Farm Bureau agent in Fl and a Clark Howard Fan.Our annuity has no yearly charges for unless under 30 000 then it is only 35.00 per year and our rates are not bad.We are the only major Insurance company that I know of that has not stoped writting in Fl.If you google bad faith claims that is a good indication of how a insurance company treats its coustmers and I think that you will find no flaws in Farm Bureau.I have been an agent for sixteen years and have yet to have a customer complain about how their claim was treated.I was a teamster and a truck driver for many years,I have taken every kind of driving class that I could find and the answer to most of our traffic problems is driver education. You are a great source of entertainment and knowledge especially for such a cheep nerd.and in a way that is a compliment.Please keep up the great work.I do wish that I was younger and knew how to apply spell check but it is late and I have never heard you knock anyone for their shortcumings
Your Fan
Dean Woehrle LUTCF,CSFP and GKIA

Mr. Truck as a owner operator I would have to say you are wrong about us speeding. We pay for the fuel in the truck. Every 5 mph you do over the speed limit can result in 1 mpg diffence. Times that by 100,000 miles per year and you see why we don't speed, it cost thousands of dollars of extra money a year. This might have been true in the 70's and 80's when diesel was a $1 gal. Most trucks that speed are company trucks that the company didn't set the speed governor on.
Illinois has repealed their law requiring trucks to travel at 55 mph vs cars 65 mph. Having spilt speeds makes the situation worse. Trucks can do 60 without getting a ticket, but cars can run up to 75 without worrying about a ticket. it's simple, when our law enforcement start enforcing the speed laws, we will have less truck-car accidents. Remember people, trucks can't see you if you can't see their side mirrors.

The top speed of a truck is determined by the ECM (Electronic Control Module) is already installed on all trucks built after 1995.
When a computer is connected to this devise, either trough a hard wire or bluetooth, top speed, top RPM and idle time are all set. There is no added cost for any fleets running trucks built after 1994 to set a limit on the speed of their trucks. In fact every major transportation company has speed limits. As much for safety as for fuel economy.
The trucks that run over 70 miles per hour are typically owner operators that generally run older equipment. The real danger is in these drivers.

I understand why the public wants this but what about the unintended consequences of doing this? Time is money in transportation and limiting the speed a truck driver can drive will in turn result in an increase in transportation costs. Since companies love to pass this on (along with a nice margin), we can expect to see a rise in inflation... Boy yet another wonder glorious flipping idea from the nanny state!

General rule of thumb... Truck BIG, Car SMALL. It is like those ride crotchrockets (which I personally think should be outright banned from roads) - You dart through traffic and get hit - better have life insurance!

Texan

I drive medium duty class 6 delivery trucks up to 26,000 pounds with 24 ft box vans on the back. We get paid by the hour and still are under constant pressure to hurry up and get back to reduce overtime and so the trucks can be reloaded for the next days run.
Sometimes a short burst of speed is needed to pass a slower moving vehicle, get out of the way of cars behind us, or start up the steep hills we have here. I usually go no more than about 4 over the limit, which is up to 70, but most being 55. I've had cars tailgate me so close the only thing I could see was their headlights shining under my back wheels.
The best thing we can do for safety is improve road conditions. Make the roads wider, flatter, straighter, smoother, banked properly, drained properly, marked clearly, well lit, and well engineered. Make more of those early warning lights that say "prepare to stop when flashing" so people can have more time to stop before the lights turn red.

you do not make a living driving a truck @ don't have any idea what it's like.get the cars off the road @ you won't have to worry.or learn how to drive

What is the real reason Wal-mart put governors on? I bet it is because they watch their operating costs and they figured out that driving slower saves them money. There is strong correlation between fuel cost and truck fleet bankruptcy. Fuel is one of a fleet's greatest operational costs. I do not think wal-mart did it lower their accident rate.

Oh, by the way, we routinely spend 70+ hours a week in our trucks, and no, we do not recieve any overtime pay. Why this is legal is beyond me. The government as well as the general motoring public, as well as shippers and recievers treat us like we are garbage. The truck I drive does not even have cruise control, and the AC only works sometimes.

As a truck driver I wouldn't have a problem with governors, if police would enforce the speed laws. Too many times I see motorists going 10-20 mph over the speed limit and do not get pulled over for speeding. Channel 2 news in Atlanta reported in 2007 that Georgia Highway patrol does not pull motorist over going through downtown Atlanta, unless they are doing 15 mph over posted 55 mph speed limit. We need our police to enforce the law to within 5 mph over speed limit. I believe this would help reduce accidents involving a cars and trucks. Yes there are truckers who do not know how to drive the speed limit also.

I agree with Mr. Bernath 100%. Perhaps GPS locator tags on all cars/trucks registered at the DMV as well. The sky is the limit here.