OOIDA Urges Congress to Pass Dalilah’s Law After Trooper Death

OOIDA Asks Congress to Turn Tragedy into Action and Pass Dalilah’s Law

Following a tragic crash that claimed the life of an Indiana state trooper, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is urging Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law without delay. The legislation, named after a victim of a previous truck-related crash, aims to strengthen safety requirements for commercial motor vehicles and improve accountability for carriers.

What Is Dalilah’s Law?

Dalilah’s Law, formally known as the “Dalilah’s Law of 2025,” was introduced in response to a 2023 crash that killed 24-year-old Dalilah Gomez. The bill proposes several key safety measures:

• Mandatory speed limiters for heavy trucks (set at 65 mph or lower)
• Enhanced training requirements for entry-level drivers
• Stricter oversight of carriers with poor safety records
• Increased penalties for violations that lead to fatalities

OOIDA President Todd Spencer testified before a House subcommittee on July 16, 2026, stating: “Every day without Dalilah’s Law is another day that preventable crashes claim lives. We owe it to the families of victims—and to the professional drivers who share the road—to act now.”

The Human Cost of Inaction

The recent death of Indiana State Trooper James Bailey, struck while conducting a traffic stop on I-65, underscores the urgency. According to FMCSA data, large truck crashes killed 5,788 people in 2025—a 4% increase from the prior year. OOIDA argues that Dalilah’s Law could reduce these numbers by targeting high-risk behaviors like excessive speed.

“Professional drivers know that speed kills,” Spencer added. “But without federal mandates, too many carriers prioritize delivery times over safety.”

What the Bill Means for CDL Drivers

For the 4569+ drivers on the LMDR platform, Dalilah’s Law could bring both challenges and opportunities:

• Speed limiters: Most modern trucks already have them, but older models may require retrofitting. Carriers will need to comply, potentially increasing maintenance costs.
• Training: Enhanced entry-level training could raise the bar for new drivers, reducing competition from underqualified operators.
• Safety scores: Carriers with poor safety records will face tougher scrutiny, which could level the playing field for compliant fleets.

As we discussed in our earlier post on A Harder Road to a CDL: What FMCSA's Rule Proposal Means, regulatory changes are already reshaping the industry. Dalilah’s Law would add another layer of compliance.

Industry Reactions

Not everyone supports the bill. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has expressed concerns about the cost of speed limiters and the potential for increased congestion. However, OOIDA counters that safety should not be sacrificed for profit.

“This isn’t about inconvenience—it’s about lives,” said Spencer. “We have the technology to prevent these tragedies. Now we need the political will.”

The Path Forward

Dalilah’s Law currently sits in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. OOIDA is calling on its 150,000 members to contact their representatives and demand a vote. The association has also launched a petition that has garnered over 50,000 signatures.

For carriers, the message is clear: prepare for stricter regulations. The CVSA Safety Blitz: Risky Driving Tickets Surge in 2026 shows that enforcement is already ramping up. Dalilah’s Law would codify many of those efforts.

How LMDR Can Help

Whether you’re a driver looking for a safe, compliant carrier or a fleet owner wanting to stay ahead of regulations, LMDR connects you with verified partners. With 530,341+ carriers indexed and a 95% driver satisfaction rate, we make it easy to find your match.

Drivers: Apply for a CDL job today and join a network that prioritizes safety.

Carriers: See our carrier pricing to list your fleet and attract top talent.

FAQ

Q: What is Dalilah’s Law?

A: Dalilah’s Law is a federal bill that would mandate speed limiters on heavy trucks, enhance driver training, and increase penalties for safety violations. It was introduced after a 2023 crash that killed Dalilah Gomez.

Q: How will Dalilah’s Law affect current CDL drivers?

A: Current drivers may need to adjust to speed limiters if their trucks don’t already have them. The law could also reduce competition from less-trained drivers, potentially improving job quality.

Q: When will Dalilah’s Law be passed?

A: The bill is pending in Congress. OOIDA is pushing for a vote in 2026, but the timeline depends on legislative priorities.

Q: Where can I find more information?

A: Visit OOIDA’s website or check the FMCSA’s rulemaking docket. For job opportunities with compliant carriers, apply now.