From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org

JEFFERSON CITY - The measure would raise the speed limit on multi-lane highways in rural areas from 70 mph to 75 mph.

The measure's sponsor is Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar in rural southwest Missouri.

Kelley quoted the exact words from a Transportation Department study that concluded many drivers simply ignore the posted speed limit.

"Many drivers are frustrated by speed limits that are set lower than the percieved safe and reasonable speed," Kelley told the committee citing the department report.

"The drivers percieve the road conditions, weather and traffic to determine safe and reasonable speed.Otherwise, it creates conflict and frustration between the slow and fast drivers. Constant speed is the key,without it accidents increase".

Kelley said drivers are frustrated by Missouri speed limits that are lower than other states with poorer highways.

"I truly believe it is a public safety issue. I believe there are roadways that currently are being underused on the speed limit that is available.

Kelley cited the recent improvements made to I44 and I49 that warranted higher speeds.

He said a higher speed could reduce the congestion frustration for drivers.

Kelley said other states have the speed limits higher than Missouri's. He mentioned the German autobahns which have no speed limits in some areas, but strict laws and heavy fines for safety violations.

The only person to testify against raising the speed limit was the chief engineer of the Missouri Transportation Department, Ed Hassinger.

"Our roads are more congested, traffic volumns are higher, truck volumns are extremely higher in the places that we're talking about. Really, this is a discussion of safety versus convenience," Hassenger said.

He said a study in Kansas found a 50 percent increase in fatalities after raising its speed limit to 75 mph.

"When you have speed, you can't outrun the laws of physics. Accidents are going to be more serious. Fatalities and serious injuries are going to go up.

Kelley noted his bill would not change current law that lets the Transportation Department set a lower speed limits in specific areas where it determines a reduced speed is needed for safety reasons.

The committee took no immediate action on the measure.

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