Do you love to travel? Many people do, I love it. Traveling for work I have seen many great parts of this country. Generally, I drive, sometimes long distances. The wife tags along to help behind the wheel. We both enjoy seeing new scenery.
Still, traveling is ultimately about getting there. With the safety advancements in today’s cars, high-speed travel across highways is possibly as safe as it’s ever been. More on that later.
Highway Speed Increases in Michigan
In 2017 Michigan’s Department of Transportation increased speeds on a number of the state’s highways. You might not have noticed some of them. The closest being I-69 from Swartz Creek to East Lansing going from 70 mph to 75 mph.
Seven More States Raising Speeds or Considering Such in 2019
California: Source = leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
A bill (Assembly Bill #172) introduced by Assembly Member Randy Voepel would make changes to truck speeds. Existing law prohibits a person from driving certain vehicles, such as a motor truck or truck tractor having 3 or more axles or a motor truck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle, upon a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour.
Indiana: Source = The Chicago Tribune
“Rep. Michael Aylesworth, R-Hebron, has introduced a bill that would enact uniform speed limits for cars and trucks on rural interstates authorizing trucks to travel 70 mph.”
Iowa: Source = www.legis.iowa.gov
State Senate Bill No. 26 would raise the speed limit on Iowa Interstate Highways from 70 to 75 mph.
Minnesota: Source = Department of Transportation
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is increasing speeds on 5,240 miles of state highways based on the recommendations of a five-year study released this week. The speeds will increase from 55 to 60 miles per hour.
Of the 7,000 miles studied, speed limits ultimately will be increased on 77 percent of rural, two-lane state highways, according to the final report. New speed limits go into effect once new speed limit signs are posted. Most of the signs posting the new speed limits are in place, with the rest expected to be up by spring 2019.
Missouri: Source = Legiscan.com
A bill introduced into the state legislature proposes raising the maximum speed limit on rural interstates and freeways of the state from 70 to 75 miles per hour.
North Dakota: Source = www.legis.nd.gov
House Bill #1264 proposes raising the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph on divided highways. Also to raise the speed limit from 75 to 80 mph on restricted access highways.
Oklahoma: = Legiscan.com
Oklahoma Lawmakers are considering raising the speed limit on Oklahoma’s Turnpike from 75 to 80 mph.
Vehicle Safety
Having just returned from the North American International Auto Show, high-tech safety was showcased. Ford had one of the more amazing displays talking about the new 2020 Ford Explorer and its features.
- Co-Pilot 360 Technology
- Blind Spot Detection
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Sensing System with Auto Correction
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection Scanning
- Reverse Brake Assist
Driving on highways with increased speed limits requires more driver attention. Technology is helping drivers be aware of more potential hazards. That’s a plus for all of us.
