CMV Safe Speed

In 2023, 11,775 lives were lost in crashes involving speed — roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities on America's roadways. As a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver, maintaining a safe speed is one of the most critical things you can do every day to protect yourself, your cargo, and everyone sharing the road with you.

Because of their size and weight, large trucks and buses need significantly more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speed can take nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. Higher speeds increase that stopping distance even further, reduce your reaction time, and make crashes more likely — and more severe.

Speed management matters in every situation — on the highway, approaching curves and ramps, in work zones, and when weather or traffic conditions change. Posted speed limits on curve warning signs are often set for passenger vehicles, so slow down even further when you see them. Always drive at a speed that lets you stay in full control of your vehicle and respond safely to whatever the road brings.

The action is simple: maintaining a safe speed helps save lives.