Legislators consider raising speed limit

Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill raising the speed limit on rural two-lane roads Monday despite cautions that it could lead to an increase in fatalities.

A three-person subcommittee passed two versions of the legislation — one bill that would increase the speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour and another that would increase it to 65 miles per hour. It encompasses two-lane, paved roads.

Lawmakers said they want to see how it plays out in the full Transportation Committee before deciding between the two.

But, Steve Gent, director of the Office of Traffic and Safety with the Iowa Department of Transportation, cautioned that an increase in the speed limits correlates with an increase in fatal crashes.

“Pretty much every place that has increased their speed limits has seen an increase in fatalities,” he said.

Gent said the department estimates that a 5-mile-an-hour increase could lead to an additional five to 15 fatal accidents each year, and a 10-mile-an-hour increase could lead to 10 to 25 additional fatalities.

He said lawmakers should consider that when making their decision, but also noted that safety is only one factor in determining speed limits. Things like mobility are also at play.

“It’s always a balance,” he said.

He noted it would cost about $5 million to implement the changes. Mileage signs would need to be updated as well as road markings and signage noting passing zones, he said.

Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, chaired the subcommittee. He said he’d like to see the limit increased and will work with the DOT to make some changes to the bill as it’s currently written. He said he hopes to add in some leeway so that counties aren’t forced into increasing the speed limit.