Transportation Department officials have cited figures showing as many as 60 per cent of the heavy trucks on the highways are disobeying the 55 mile an hour speed limit. They threatened government action if the industry does not police itself. The American Trucking Associations Inc. was advised to start a campaign among drivers to observe the speed limit. Utah’s highways undoubtedly are no exception and the department’s observation probably would be as true here as anywhere. But the alleged violations certainly aren’t restricted to the heavy trucks, Most traffic seems to adhere pretty well to the speed limit, but there are plenty of exceptions. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Benjamin 0. Davis Jr., special assistant to Transportation Secretary William T. Coleman Jr., told the annual convention of the trucking associations that three years after the 55 mph limit became law nationwide, the insurance industry claims 60 per cent of the trucks are speeding. The speed limit was set up, he said, to save fuel and lives. Apparently it has been quite successful in both goals, Davis said there is “public outrage and fear over the big trucker arrogating the law unto himself.” He did not elaborate on what steps the government plans if compliance fails. But once again, the best solution is for voluntary effort – and this applies not only to the truckers but to all motorists. If the 55 mph law is no longer appropriate and there’s a better course, steps should be taken to consider a change. But as long as it’s on the books, we should support it.