Cars Have Become Safer, Leading Missouri to Consider Allowing Higher Speeds | Carscoops

      Missouri lawmakers are contemplating an increase in rural highway speed limits, referencing advancements in vehicle safety technology.

      The proposed bill, SB 1408, aims to raise rural speed limits.

      Proponents highlight the safety of modern vehicles, while the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) cautions about potential crash risks.

      Critics point to the prevalence of speed-related accidents statewide.

      Speed limits have become a significant discussion lately. Across the United States, maximum limits on rural interstates vary widely. Some states set the limit as low as 60 mph (97 km/h), while others go up to 80 mph (129 km/h), with Texas even having a segment at 85 mph (137 km/h).

      Currently, Missouri lawmakers are looking to revise the speed limit from 70 mph (113 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h) on certain rural roads.

      An Initiative for Higher Limits

      The bill, sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger from District 27, focuses solely on rural highways, leaving in-city limits unchanged. Supporters argue that this change would align the law with current driving practices.

      Many drivers already exceed those speeds, and Burger contends that modern vehicles are significantly better equipped to handle higher speeds than they were when the existing limits were established.

      Furthermore, advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and blind-spot monitoring contribute additional safety measures. The enhanced manufacturing techniques and materials used in modern vehicles also improve safety during crashes. This perspective seems to resonate with some motorists in Missouri.

      One individual mentioned to Fox News, “People are already driving at those speeds, so I don’t see a downside.” Another admitted to usually exceeding the limit by about five miles per hour and supported the idea. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm.

      What the Data Doesn’t Indicate

      The Missouri Department of Transportation remains cautious. It expresses concerns about heightened risks, noting that speed is a factor in approximately one-third of the state’s accidents.

      However, this statistic can be misleading. Terms like “speed-related” or “speed was a factor” do not necessarily imply that a vehicle was traveling excessively fast. A vehicle can be within the legal speed limit yet still be considered too fast for the specific situation. It could also be stated that a third of accidents occurred with the vehicle moving faster than a walking pace.

      For now, the discussion on whether to maintain the limit at 70 or increase it to 75 is ongoing. If the bill is approved, the new limits might come into effect as early as August of this year.