Why Open Way Believes in Governed Truck Speeds: Safety, Savings & Long-Term Growth

At Open Way, our mission is simple: keep our drivers safe, our cargo secure, and our operations efficient—today and well into the future. One of the most effective tools we use to uphold that promise is governing truck speeds. Here’s why it matters—and how it benefits every member of our company family.

1. Safety First: Less Speed, Fewer Crashes

• Faster stopping time. A semi-truck going 65 mph instead of 75 mph can come to a stop nearly 20% faster, which significantly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions or massive pileups. Malm Injury Lawyers

• Trucks at higher speeds carry exponentially more energy. For example, moving at 75 mph means more than twice the kinetic energy of going 55 mph—making high-speed crashes dramatically more dangerous. Malm Injury Lawyers

• Between 2020 and 2021, fatal crashes involving large trucks increased by 17%, topping 5,788 deaths in 2021. Speed was a significant contributing factor. Malm Injury LawyersGoverning

These aren’t just numbers—they’re real lives. Governing speed is about protecting everyone on the road.

2. Proven Results from Speed Governors

• A 2012 FMCSA/ATRI study compared fleets with and without speed limiters—those with limiters experienced 50% fewer crashes and 22 fewer crashes per 100 trucks annually. Malm Injury Lawyers

• In Ontario, mandatory speed limiter laws led to a 73% drop in speeding-related truck crashes after implementation. Malm Injury Lawyers

3. Industry Leaders Are Aligned

• A 2022 Commercial Carrier Journal survey reported that 73% of fleets use speed limiters—with limits ranging from 65 mph to over 70 mph, depending on logistics needs. Commercial Carrier Journal

• The American Trucking Associations officially supports a 68 mph cap on new heavy trucks—especially if they're equipped with advanced safety technologies. American Trucking AssociationsBecker Law OfficeFMCSA

One notable example: Schneider National, a top-tier carrier, sets driver bonuses based on compliance with a 55–58 mph limit. The result? Reduced fuel costs and fewer highway accidents—without sacrificing efficiency. WIRED

4. Efficiency, Fuel Savings & Environmental Gains

• Governing speed isn’t just safer—it’s greener. Slower speeds mean lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, helping both operations budgets and the planet. The Trucking AllianceWise Systems

• The NHTSA analysis (2004–2014) estimated capping truck speeds at 60 mph could save 162–498 lives annually, while a 65 mph cap could save up to 214 lives—and over $1.1 billion in fuel and related savings each year. Coluccio Law

5. Voluntary Use Beats Regulatory Overreach

While federal mandates have been proposed (like a 68 mph cap), agencies such as FMCSA and NHTSA withdrew certain mandates in mid-2025 due to data gaps and concerns over economic impacts. TheTrucker.comFreightWaves

That said, most modern trucks have built-in speed governors—so we can choose to use them. That means smart, voluntary action today without waiting for tomorrow’s regulation. FMCSAWikipedia

6. Road Safe America & Public Support

• Road Safe America, founded by grieving parents who lost their child to a speeding truck accident, advocates nationwide for mandatory use of speed governors—especially since most trucks built since the 1990s already have them installed. Wikipedia

• A 2018 survey found that 79% of likely U.S. voters supported requiring trucks to have speed limiters set to 65 mph, with only 13% opposed. Wikipedia

7. Why This Matters for Open Way and Our Drivers

At Open Way, we view governed speed not as a restriction—but as a commitment to safety, trust, and longevity:

• It protects our most valuable asset—you, our drivers. safer roads mean more homecomings.

• It supports operational excellence, from insurance rates to fuel budgets.

• It aligns with industry best practices, positioning us as responsible and future-focused.

• It empowers us to maintain a strong safety record—because at Open Way, we’re building for the long haul.

In Summary

Benefit	What It Means for You and Open Way
Safety	Faster stopping, fewer crashes, fewer lives lost
Proven Success	Real world reductions in crash rates
Industry Standards	We align with leading carriers and associations
Cost Savings	Lower fuel use, smarter operations, greener footprint
Voluntary Action	We lead today—without waiting for mandates
Public Trust	High voter support; moral and community backing

Driving Forward—Together

We believe governing our trucks is more than a policy—it’s a declaration of care. For our drivers, our company, our partners, and every road we travel.

At Open Way, we’re not just hauling freight—we’re moving forward on a safer, stronger path. And we’re glad you’re with us for the journey.