Ohio drivers weigh in on whether 70 mph is too fast

6:58 PM, Apr 2, 2013   |    comments
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The transportation bill signed by Governor John Kasich will raise the speed limit on many of Ohio's highways to 70 miles per hour. Some people think it's a good idea, some fear this could make our highways deadly.

With a swift swipe of a pen to paper, vehicles are headed toward higher speeds on the highway. But some say we're already driving that way.

"Generally, they do about 70 anyways, so," says driver Richard Evans.

"Well, I think it's fine. I tend to speed anyway...usually about 5, 10 over the speed limit," says Teddi Gideon, a west side driver.

Others say raising the speed limit will put lives in danger.

"People are driving crazy anyways. So, why would it be 70 miles per hour? I mean, that's just far too fast," says Elizabeth Roach.

So, who's right?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of speeding-related fatalities in 2010 was 10,395. That's the last time the study was conducted.

But those numbers are actually falling, from 13,799 in 2002. Still, in all crashes recorded, speeding was the common factor.

At the same time, Research from the National Motorists Association also shows slower isn't always safer. It claims drivers going 10 miles per hour slower than the speed limit are more likely to be involved in an accident. The speed increase still could make many drivers nervous.


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