75 MPH Speed Limit May Be Coming To An Iowa Interstate Near You

Do you have a lead foot? Sick of people slowing down your rapid-fire life on the roadways on 80 & 380? Or, maybe you're concerned about speed and think people should slow down and be more careful when driving.

An Iowa Senate panel has given the go-ahead on a bill that would increase the speed limit on select sections of interstate highways to 75 mph. Now, it goes to the full committee for consideration.

I remember when we went up to 70 from 65 mph ten years ago. Most people were glad to see the increase back in 2005. Some lawmakers are saying higher speeds means more crashes. Others say our current road infrastructure is better equipped to handle higher speeds.

I think both are valid points, but would side with the "pro" movement over the "con." Cars are safer and those new guard rails are in place everywhere. The average speed on 380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids is probably 76 now anyway. That would move to 81 if this passes. More ambulances? Probably, but bad things happen when you slide off the road, whether at 70 or 75.

There are lots of states (mainly in the west) that have it set at 75 and are doing just fine. Shaving a little time off of your commute (or trip to Calgary for that matter) is always a good thing.