Crackdown on speeding big rigs may be underway across country

SECAUCUS, New Jersey (WABC) -- Putting the brakes on speeding big rigs and buses, New York Senator Charles Schumer is joining a host of others who are now pushing for the Federal Department of Transportation to give the green light to new technology monitoring and capping the speed of large trucks and buses throughout the Tri-State Area.

"Requiring electronic speed limiters on trucks would save lives, prevent injuries, make our roadways safer by preventing high speed damage," said Senator Schumer.

During a press conference in front of the Queensboro Bridge on Sunday, Schumer disclosed there were 126 fatal truck crashes in New York last year. He asserted that studies show capping the speed limit for trucks at 68 miles per hour could save nearly 96 lives per year.

"For every New Yorker, or commuter who's been next to, or in the crosshairs of a speeding big rig, the technology like this can't be installed fast enough," added Schumer.

Meanwhile, truckers who Eyewitness News talked to say they also support the proposed change, and have observed firsthand some of the dangers of trucks speeding on the highway.m

"Some drivers...I think it's a good thing to be controlled in this way," said Hernan Navarro.

This new federal requirement would not need a congressional vote, just a signature by the Secretary of Transportation, which Schumer and others hope will happen by the end of the year.