A New Jersey Assembly bill would eliminate uniform speeds on rural highways in the state by restricting large trucks to 55 mph.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Connie Myers, R-Milford, would lower the speed limit for trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds and hazardous materials haulers by 10 mph. All other vehicles would be allowed to continue to travel at the current 65 mph limit.

It is similar to a failed effort last year also by Myers that called for restricting truck speeds.

That proposal came after a horrific day in November 2002 when three separate accidents on Interstates 80, 287 and 78 – all involving trucks – killed three people, injured six and delayed thousands of commuters. State officials said none of the accidents were caused by truck drivers.

The new bill – A557 – has not moved from the Assembly Transportation Committee since it was introduced in January.