Legislators vote to raise speed limits, shorten commute

Robin Hertel

Contributing Writer

Under a proposal cruising through the General Assembly, highway speed limits might increase, saving travel time for some student commuters.

For Jeremy Gilbert, a senior criminal justice and psychology double-major, the increase in highway speed limits from 65 mph to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas of Virginia would only improve his commute, currently an hour long, from his house in Williamsburg to VCU.

“(Raising speed limits) is a good idea,” Gilbert said. “I severely doubt 5 miles would cause more crashes.”

Last week, the House and Senate each passed versions of the legislation, which had been requested by Gov. Bob McDonnell

“This slight increase in our speed limit will be safe for motorists and help get Virginians to their destinations a little quicker each day,” McDonnell said. “This is an important early step towards our common goal of improving transportation in the commonwealth.”

Gilbert said he has been commuting his entire college career and still sees motorists speeding, so the increase in the speed limit should not be an issue.

House Bill 856 is being carried by Delegate Bill Carrico, R-Galax. The House voted 71-26 for the proposal. The legislation has been referred to the Senate’s Committee on Transportation.

The Senate bill, SB 537, is being sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg. It cleared the Senate, 29-11. Similarity, it has been referred to the House’s Committee on Transportation.

The bills are identical. Each bill still must be voted on by the other chamber before being sent to McDonnell for his signature.

Though Gilbert said traffic is never that bad on his commute, Carrico said the bill will promote efficiency on the road.

“This is a common-sense reform that will make sure highway traffic moves at a more uniform speed on Virginia’s highways,” Carrico said.

Newman said Virginia would join 33 other states that have increased their speed limits above 65 mph.