Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Another Speed Limit Increase on Interstates

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Speeding

State Senator Jim Oberweis is the sponsor of a bill that would raise interstate speed limits to 75 mph. This concerns many traffic safety advocates who believe that speed is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents.

About the Proposed Law

The speed limit on Illinois interstates is 70 mph. Sen. Oberweis justifies his bill by arguing that 75 mph is a safe speed since the vast majority of people -- he says 85 percent -- drive that fast anyway. Sen. Oberweis, who has pushed for higher speed limits in the past, argues that accidents are not caused by speed but rather variation in speed. Also, he believes that having a speed limit that few follow “breeds further disregard of laws.” The bill also proposes raising the speed limit on non-urban, non-interstate roads from 55 to 60 mph.

Opponents of the Bill

Many accident experts associate higher speed limits with having a negative effect on roadway safety, however. Higher speeds add to the risks drivers must face and manage. Another new risk for drivers are distractions brought by cell phones and in-car technology. Traffic safety experts say that limiting exposure to risks of all types helps increase highway safety.

Illinois’ Troubling Accident Statistics

Illinois traffic deaths are up from five years ago. Increased speed limits are thought to be one of the causes for the increased number of fatalities. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration says that about one-third of all roadway fatalities are speeding-related.

Contact a Lake County Auto Accident Lawyer

Car accidents in Illinois have become more common in recent years. Our firm believes that drivers who were not at fault should be compensated for all injuries. If you have been in a car accident, contacting an attorney is the first step you can take to make yourself whole after an accident. In Illinois, you have a limited period of time to bring a car accident claim. In most cases, you must bring your case within two years from the date of the accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for the cost of your past and future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and pain and suffering.

Call the skilled Lake County car crash attorneys at Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 to schedule your first meeting with our skilled attorneys.

Sources:

http://www.washingtontimesreporter.com/news/20170220/lawmaker-wants-to-increase-illinois-interstate-speed-limit-again

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812021