Cars Safer, Missouri Pushes for Higher Speeds

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Missouri Bill SB 1408 Aims to Increase Rural Speed Limits

Speed limits have become a contentious issue across the United States, with varying regulations depending on the state. While some states limit rural interstates to just 60 mph (97 km/h), others allow speeds up to 80 mph (129 km/h). Texas even has a stretch of road set at 85 mph (137 km/h). Now, Missouri lawmakers are considering a proposal that would increase speed limits from 70 mph (113 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h) on certain rural roads.

A Push Toward Higher Limits

The proposed bill, SB 1408, is sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger from District 27. The legislation specifically targets rural roads, meaning that urban highways will remain unaffected. Supporters argue that this change would align the law with current driving practices.

Many drivers already exceed the current 70 mph limit, and Burger believes that modern vehicles are better equipped to handle higher speeds than they were when the current limits were established. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring provide additional safety measures. Furthermore, advancements in automotive manufacturing and materials have improved vehicle safety in the event of a crash.

This argument seems to resonate with some Missouri motorists. One individual who spoke to Fox News said, “It’s one of those things where I think people kind of go that speed already, so I don’t think there’s a negative to it.” Another driver admitted to regularly exceeding the limit by five miles per hour and expressed support for the idea. However, not everyone shares this view.

What the Data Doesn’t Show

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is not fully supportive of the bill. It has raised concerns about the potential for increased risk, noting that speed plays a role in approximately a third of the state’s crashes. However, this statistic can be misleading. Labels like "speed-related" or "speed was a factor" do not always mean that a driver was significantly exceeding the legal limit. A vehicle could be moving at a speed below the legal limit but still be too fast for the conditions. Additionally, the term "speed-related" might simply indicate that the vehicle was moving faster than a walking pace.

Despite these concerns, the debate over whether to keep the limit at 70 mph or raise it to 75 mph continues. If the bill passes, the new limits could be implemented as early as August of this year.

Public Opinion and Safety Concerns

Public opinion remains divided on the issue. Some residents believe that increasing the speed limit would make driving more efficient and reduce travel time. Others, however, worry about the potential for more accidents and the impact on road safety. Critics argue that even small increases in speed can lead to more severe crashes, especially in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer.

Supporters of the bill emphasize that modern technology and safer vehicles can mitigate some of the risks associated with higher speeds. They also point out that many drivers already exceed the current limits, suggesting that enforcement may be more effective than changing the law.

Conclusion

As Missouri lawmakers continue to deliberate on SB 1408, the debate over speed limits highlights the complex balance between convenience, safety, and technological advancements. Whether the bill ultimately passes or not, the discussion underscores the ongoing challenge of adapting traffic regulations to meet the needs of modern drivers while ensuring public safety.