Say What?

Question: What is your opinion regarding 68-mph speed governors on big rig engines?

Charles Hieleman, 56, Somerset, OH

Professional driving experience: 35 years  

“I paid for my truck. I own it outright. The government doesn’t come up to you if you have a Lamborghini and say, ‘We’re going to make sure your car can only do 75.’ They shouldn’t be coming up to me and telling me I can only go 68. My truck is governed at 78, which I like. I stay within the speed limit of any state. I don’t need the government setting more limits on me.”

 

Marvin Stewart, 57, Vinegrove, KY

Professional driving experience: 25 years 

“I have no problem with it. In fact, I like it. I don’t go over 70 anyway, so I’m fine with that.”

Charlie Chasteen, 55, Toledo, OH

Professional driving experience: 30 years    

“It’s not right that we’re limited to a certain speed when we’re not the primary problem with traffic accidents and violations. It’s a proven fact that truck drivers are not the problem, yet they keep screwing around with us. The government is too involved in our business.”

Rodney Spath, 57, Findlay, OH

Professional driving experience: 36 years 

“I think the government has gotten too much of a strong hold on the trucking industry. We were deregulated back in the ’70s, and today drivers and trucks have 10 times more damn regulations than before deregulation. The only thing they deregulated was the shippers.” 

James Reinking, 63, Fort Wayne, IN

Professional driving experience: 45 years 

“I have mixed emotions. I understand the safety part of it, but putting governors on the engines, I don’t like that. I’m kind of old-fashioned. I don’t really think you need it. What you need is people paying attention and driving according to the law. I don’t like all these lawmakers making decisions for us. I like being my own boss. You need to teach guys to run responsibly. Fuel conservation and common sense plays a big role in that.”