Texas decides things may be too slow of pace

A bill was introduced in early April proposing some speed limits across the state of Texas to be raised to 80-85 miles per hour. House Bill 1353 doesn’t actually state that the speed limits would be raised to speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour, but what it does say is that many roads once deemed fit by studies, would be raised to 75 and perhaps even further.

Raising speed limits seems like an acceptable bill by many motorists driving in Texas. It seems like a bill that would be easily passed. Many other states in the United States already have speed limits set higher than 70. The speed change from sun up to nightfall is probably the biggest objection most motorists have. When does the speed limit actually drop? At what time do motorists pay attention to the black-with-white-lettered speed limit signs instead of the white signs? When can truckers speed back up to 70 in the morning? If there was one set speed limit, these confusions could be resolved. Certainly there have been some civil cases against the state of Texas regarding these changes and tickets issued. Texas is a fairly flat state. Many stretches of roads are long, flat and have clear visibility. Lowered speed limits seem like a hindrance. Numerous roads in Europe have high speed limits already set. Only 13 states in the United States allow speeds up to 75 mph on rural interstates. Allowing higher speeds in Texas would potentially ease the congestion of traffic, as well as allow motorists to travel through the state faster and residents to commute quicker.

Higher speed limits sound great to most but with the higher speeds comes higher rates of injuries and death. Most accidents occur at high speeds or are involved with alcohol. Because of this, House Bill 1353 may get rejected. Granted, 13 other states have speed limits set up to 75 mph and many others don’t have the night-day limitations. 80 miles per hour seems like a high speed limit to be set, and it is. No other state has this speed limit, and no other state has a limit set any higher. Should Texas be the first? No, Texas does not need to be the example for high mortality rates because of the liberal attitudes towards speed limits. If deaths can be avoided, the measures to do so should be taken, or not taken to fix what isn’t broke. Speed limits restricted to the solar cycle should however be changed. They’re a hassle. There is not an exact time every day when the speed drops. Releasing the night speed restrictions would alleviate a lot of frustrations and disputable tickets. Texas residents should be happy with any increase they can get. Oklahoma, which is an abolished word amongst many Texans, has a 75mph speed limit and no special night restrictions. Texas is in fact the only state that does have a night restriction. Why then, does Texas still have this restriction? There cannot be more wildlife crossing interstates in Texas than there are in the more rural northwestern states? 49 out of 50 can’t be wrong?

Raising speed limits to 80+mph I don’t agree with. There are limits on a lot of things. Medications have dosage limits to protect society. Speed limits are set to protect society just as well. An increased speed limit would be nice, but the loss of a night speed limit would be totally acceptable and could be backed by studies from other states. Texas, lose the limit.