In 2005, Iowa lawmakers followed a national trend. They raised the rural interstate speed limit from 65 to 70.
Since the increase, fatalities have increased 10 percent on rural stretches of interstate.
Police say that high traffic volume, high speeds, and the tendency to follow too closely all combined for the increase in fatalities.
To prevent head-on collisions, troopers and the Iowa DOT say they are working together.
The DOT has installed more than 200 miles of cable median barriers, and troopers are stepping up patrol in high crash areas.
Despite all this, it appears that the new speed limit is here to stay.
There’s evidence from travelers that say they’re comfortable at the higher speeds and the trucking industry indicates that 70 is a safe speed for them as well.
Since the increase, fatalities have increased 10 percent on rural stretches of interstate.
Police say that high traffic volume, high speeds, and the tendency to follow too closely all combined for the increase in fatalities.
To prevent head-on collisions, troopers and the Iowa DOT say they are working together.
The DOT has installed more than 200 miles of cable median barriers, and troopers are stepping up patrol in high crash areas.
Despite all this, it appears that the new speed limit is here to stay.
There’s evidence from travelers that say they’re comfortable at the higher speeds and the trucking industry indicates that 70 is a safe speed for them as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment