Every mile matters when you’re trying to make a living. But in some states, outdated speed limit laws have kept truckers crawling while traffic flies by. Now, lawmakers are finally hitting the gas.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says the safest roads are those where everyone drives at the same speed limit. Fewer speed gaps mean fewer risky interactions.
OOIDA isn’t calling for higher speeds – just one speed for everyone.
Idaho
For almost 30 years, Idaho truckers have been forced to play catch-up.
On rural interstates, cars could legally travel 75 mph – and even 80 mph in some areas. Trucks were stuck at 70.
That changes July 1.
A new law allows trucks to travel at the same posted speed as everyone else on rural interstates.
Not everyone likes the change. Critics warn that faster trucks could lead to more serious crashes.
The Idaho Trucking Association says many fleets will still use speed limiters, meaning plenty of trucks won’t drive any faster.
Rep. Doug Pickett, R-Oakley, says the real danger isn’t truck speed – it’s the gap between vehicles.
He said big speed differences trigger more lane changes, tailgating, road rage and crashes.
Research from the University of Arkansas supports that idea. It found that a 10-mph speed difference can increase risky vehicle interactions by more than 200%.
Pickett also stressed that the new law doesn’t force truckers to drive faster. He said it just stops forcing them to go slower.
OOIDA supports the move
Doug Morris is OOIDA’s director of state government affairs. He said Idaho made the right call.
He said split speed limits lead to more aggressive driving, greater fatigue for truckers and more dangerous situations.
“Numerous other states have wisely eliminated differential speed limits and have experienced a much safer traveling environment,” Morris said.
Iowa
Starting July 1, all Iowa drivers can hit the gas.
The state’s default speed limit on most two-lane highways and rural roads increases from 55 mph to 60 mph.
Local governments can still set lower limits where allowed under current law.
The Iowa Department of Transportation says 1,794 speed limit signs need to be updated. Temporary stickers will be used until new signs are installed.
Supporters say the change better matches today’s roads and could shorten travel times.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said the push to raise the speed limit came straight from Iowans, not politicians.
She said drivers across the state have been asking for the change for years. Judging by the online reaction, she said many are excited that the law is finally catching up to the speed at which they’ve already been driving.
Missouri
Missouri truckers could soon spend less time behind the wheel.
A bill waiting on the governor’s desk would raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph. The change would apply to all vehicles on rural interstates and freeways.
The change would affect Interstates 29, 35, 44, 55 and 70.
Sen. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, said the increase would help truckers, farmers and small businesses move people and products more efficiently.
He also said today’s vehicles are safer than they were decades ago.
Still, the bill sparked debate.
The Missouri DOT warned that speeding remains one of the leading causes of crashes. The agency questioned whether higher limits would improve safety. LL
More Land Line coverage of state news is available.
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