Trucker Perceptions of Lane Restriction and Differential Speed Limit Policies on Freeways

Abstract

To improve the efficiency and safety of traffic flow on freeways, several states have implemented truck lane restriction and differential speed limit policies. The State of Louisiana introduced such restrictions on an 18 mile elevated four lane rural segment of Interstate 10 (I-10) in response to an 11 vehicle crash in September 2003. The new control policies, implemented in 2003, have restricted trucks to the right lane only and reduced their speed limit to 55 mph. At the same time the speed limit for passenger cars was also reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph. This article summarizes the findings of a survey to assess truck drivers' perceptions and opinions of these restrictive policies. Another objective of the survey was to solicit ideas and input for other potential strategies that could be useful to the drivers. Overall, the results showed that the truckers were not in favor of the restrictions and did not feel that a significant safety benefit was being gained from these restrictions.