North Dakota’s interstate highways aren’t typically as crowded as those in many other states. That’s one reason the maximum speed limit on them is 75 miles per hour. That’s right in the middle of those of our neighbors: Minnesota’s is 70 mph and South Dakota’s and Montana’s are both 80 mph.
Now the state legislature is making an effort to raise North Dakota’s interstate highway speed limit to 80 mph. This isn’t the first time it’s been tried. Both houses passed this legislation two years ago, but Gov. Doug Burgum vetoed it, citing the link between speed and serious and fatal injuries. However, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who voted for the legislation when he was a state lawmaker, may be more likely to sign it when it reaches his desk.
Pros and cons
Lawmakers in favor of the speed limit increase argue that many drivers already travel at 80 mph on the state’s highways anyway. The legislation’s lead sponsor also says that individual cities could still impose lower limits for portions of interstate highways in their jurisdictions.
While law enforcement agencies haven’t spoken out against the legislation, some safety advocates have. The head of one organization said, “Even seemingly modest speed limit changes can have huge impacts on overall traffic safety.”
Why the risk of serious injury increases with speed
It’s simple physics that a collision involving at least one speeding vehicle can cause more serious injuries than one involving vehicles traveling more slowly. If both vehicles are speeding, even more serious injuries can result. That’s because the force of a collision increases as speed does. It’s also important to realize that the higher the speed is, the longer it takes to stop. That’s because both driver reaction time and braking time increase with speed and the driver’s field of vision becomes more narrow.
Those who suffer injuries or who have lost a loved one in a crash caused by a high-speed driver (whether they were within the posted speed limit or not) can be looking at extensive medical bills and other costs and damages. Getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible can help ensure fair compensation, regardless of whether the at-fault party was technically speeding or not.