Speed Limits Could Get Even Higher
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: April 9, 2011
MIDLAND -- Speed limits across the state of Texas might go even higher. The Texas House has approved a bill that would allow the speed limit to be raised to 85 miles per hour. And with more than 300 miles of interstates in West Texas, the Permian Basin could be affected in a big way.
Representatives for the bill say that if Europe can have high speed roadways that work, so could the state of Texas. Although the bill is still pending senate approval, if passed, Texas would be home to the highest speed limits in the nation. Some drivers like JR feel it's a good thing.
"For people out on the road traveling, it's a wonderful thing," said JR. "Move the traffic, much better, much safer."
While JR agrees speed is necessary, insurance companies say its a huge risk.
"More deaths, more injuries, and a lot of suffering," said Jerry Johns, President of Southwest Insurance.
That's especially true in West Texas.
"It allows highways 80 miles an hour now to go up to 85," said TXDOT's Gene Powell. "There is 520 some odd miles in Texas. Some of that is Interstate 20, some on Interstate 10, so that's 320 miles from 500 miles right there. So it is going to affect west Texas in a big way."
Powell says that if the bill passes, safety is TXDOT's first priority. Speed will only increase if his team says it's safe.
"[It's] not as simple as putting up a new sign," said Powell. "[We'll] make sure the safety would be kept at the level it is or improve at a higher speed limit," said Powell.
But insurance companies aren't satisfied. They say that not only will a higher speed limit raise insurance prices, but it will raise statistics.
"Two things contribute to accidents more than anything else, and that's speed and alcohol" said Johns.
But JR says for drivers like him, it could only make things better.
"We can have bad weather here and I-20 will jam up like we driving in downtown New York," said JR.
Other concerns is that with the extra 5 miles added drivers will start to push that gas pedal a little more and drive 90 miles per hour. Powell says this is still pending legislation and until they get the go ahead, the speed will stay the same.
Jackie Smith can be reached via e-mail at jsmith@kmid.tv.
Representatives for the bill say that if Europe can have high speed roadways that work, so could the state of Texas. Although the bill is still pending senate approval, if passed, Texas would be home to the highest speed limits in the nation. Some drivers like JR feel it's a good thing.
"For people out on the road traveling, it's a wonderful thing," said JR. "Move the traffic, much better, much safer."
While JR agrees speed is necessary, insurance companies say its a huge risk.
"More deaths, more injuries, and a lot of suffering," said Jerry Johns, President of Southwest Insurance.
That's especially true in West Texas.
"It allows highways 80 miles an hour now to go up to 85," said TXDOT's Gene Powell. "There is 520 some odd miles in Texas. Some of that is Interstate 20, some on Interstate 10, so that's 320 miles from 500 miles right there. So it is going to affect west Texas in a big way."
Powell says that if the bill passes, safety is TXDOT's first priority. Speed will only increase if his team says it's safe.
"[It's] not as simple as putting up a new sign," said Powell. "[We'll] make sure the safety would be kept at the level it is or improve at a higher speed limit," said Powell.
But insurance companies aren't satisfied. They say that not only will a higher speed limit raise insurance prices, but it will raise statistics.
"Two things contribute to accidents more than anything else, and that's speed and alcohol" said Johns.
But JR says for drivers like him, it could only make things better.
"We can have bad weather here and I-20 will jam up like we driving in downtown New York," said JR.
Other concerns is that with the extra 5 miles added drivers will start to push that gas pedal a little more and drive 90 miles per hour. Powell says this is still pending legislation and until they get the go ahead, the speed will stay the same.
Jackie Smith can be reached via e-mail at jsmith@kmid.tv.
