DES MOINES – Getting there faster may be a possibility if the Iowa Legislature approves a bill increasing speed limits.
Current law provides that the speed limit on highways that are part of the interstate road system is 70 miles per hour. Senate File 289 increases the speed limit on highways that are part of the interstate road system to 75 miles per hour. The bill was introduced Monday and referred to the Transportation Committee.
Last year, the Legislature denied a bill seeking to raise speed limits – just as it did in 2015. Neighboring states like Kansas and Nebraska already have the 75 miles per hour limit.
Faster speeds are linked to higher rates of fatal accidents, research from the insurance institute argues.
The Iowa Legislature raised the the speed limit in 2005 from 65 miles per hour to 70 miles per hour.