Wisconsin Speed limit of 75 mph considered
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Speed limit of 75 mph considered

Our Wisconsin transplants might be interested in knowing that one of their former state's legislators has drafted a bill that would increase Wisconsin's speed limit to 75 mph, the National Motorists Association noted in its driver news alerts last week.

The organization, which favors the increase, says that "This is the first time since the repeal of the 55 National Maximum Speed Limit that we have the opportunity to raise the speed limit in Wisconsin."

What possible thinking could be behind raising the speed limit, you might reasonably ask, and should Florida consider doing such a thing?

The NMA is in favor of the increased speed limit, because:

♠ Raising speed limits to 75 mph will bring those limits closer to speeds drivers already are traveling, which is safer.

♠ Traffic currently is traveling 75 mph on the interstate system. Raising the limit would help safe motorists avoid costly tickets and insurance surcharges.

♠ The argument that says because you raise the speed limit to 75 mph, drivers will go 80 mph doesn't hold any water. Studies have shown, as well as experience, that this will not happen.

NMA's position on speed limits says: With extremely rare exceptions, speed limits should be set at the 85th to 90th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic. If separate speed limits are set for different classes of vehicles or different time periods, the speed limits for those classes of vehicles or time periods shall also be set at the 85th or 90th percentile speed of those classes of vehicles or those identified time periods.

In those instances where 85th percentile speeds exceed 75 mph, serious consideration should be given to eliminating enumerated speed limits and posting advisory speed limits in those locations with design limitations that require slower speeds.

The News-Press ** Speed limit of 75 mph considered