The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed that trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds be limited to a certain speed on the highway– likely somewhere between 60 and 68 miles per hour. The proposal is intended to save lives and cut down on fuel costs by more than $1 billion each year. The proposal so far would pertain to new trucks; it is still unclear if it would eventually also apply to older trucks.

Commercial drivers would not be let loose on an honor system, however; the proposal would require trucks to be outfitted with a special device that would not allow trucks to travel faster than a designated speed on the highway.

While the proposed speed limits wouldn’t necessarily prevent truck accidents, they would presumably save lives of people involved in such accidents; particularly the lives of the people injured in the smaller vehicle. Reducing the speed of large trucks would reduced the impact of highway collisions, thus presumably causing less severe injuries to those involved. The public is invited to comment about the proposal here, until November 7, 2016.

Even with speed limiting devices, however, truck accidents will continue to occur, causing serious injuries that will likely require costly medical treatments, missed days of work and other expenses. To maximize compensation after any such injury, whether the truck was traveling at 60 miles per hour or 80, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and look out for your best interests.