In New York, they are thinking about changing the speed limit in some highways. The idea is to increase the limit from 65 mph to 70 mph. This change will only take place in selected streets, and only if the meet the road safety criteria. But why this sudden change? It comes from two proposals; the first one, is the Senate Bill S1500 (New York Senate) and the second one, the Assembly Bill A3571.
This initiative was presented by the senator Tom O’Mara, and would receive the support of the Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority if the speed limits are increased only is streets where safety data shows it’s appropriate.
5 mph more might not look like that much of a difference, but it’s still creating debate. There’s people in favor and people against. Some people say that the 65 mph limit is so old that many drivers already exceed it. Others, are scared that going up to 70 mph might cause more crashes.
But the Bill hasn’t been approved yet, there’s going to be more audits and studies before they decide.
Where is the speed limit changing?
The Senate Bill S1500 wants to allow a 70 mph speed limit in roads that meet the safety road standards. And the Assembly Bill A3571 follows the same directions. The rule will be very strict: to only increase the limit when is safe to do it. But what does this mean exactly? They would have to go over accidents and crash reports and check the curves, visibility, access, etc. If a section doesn’t meet the requirements, then it won’t be touched.
The Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority made it very clear. Many zones will be left out, and this include streets and highway sections, in the numbers don’t add up. If it’s approved, there will be signalization changes and maybe minor construction work if it’s necessary so the new speed limit is clear for everyone.
Pros and cons of the bill
Those who support the speed limit increase, see this change as an improvement: if you go a bit faster, you might save a bit more time on the highway, and at the end of the day, even a few extra minutes count. They also believe that many people don’t respect that limit anymore, it was stablished a long time ago, and in some wider sections it just seems outdated. So, to adapt it to the modern days would be the normal thing to do.
On the other side, some fear that only 5 mph more can increase more than the speed: when people go faster, they have less time to react and a crash impact will be higher. They also point at the fact that not all highways has the surveillance or control systems to enforce this new limit. They insist that any change has to be supported by strong data because otherwise: is it really worth it to go faster if it means more risk of crashes and injuries?
One step at a time and each step supported by data
The law hasn’t been approved yet. There’s going to be more audits before any decision is final.
The Bill S1500 and the Assembly Bill A3571 only applies in New York, but other states are also making some changes around road safety with speed limit devices, “hands-free” rules to avoid using the phone while driving, and more. So what New York is doing, doesn’t sound so “out of the ordinary” after all. If it’s done well, and following al the safety requirements could be an improvement for a city where the speed limits has not been changed for over 20 years.