Texas House Approves 85 MPH Speed Limit

[PrivatePixel]

From Edmunds Inside Line:

The Texas House has approved an 85 mph speed limit for Texas highways. Those who regularly drive through Texas knows this essentially means fewer pointless fines for keeping up with traffic. That makes this particularly notable as a government issue intended to appease people while at the same time reducing their own income. Brilliant. I think I just teared up a little.

But, with all good news comes some bad. News outlets have jumped all over this with the fear mongering you'd expect. Not only is there a slimmer chance of survival in an accident they say and that longer braking distances could mean more accidents (Going fast? Don't follow so close!), but that this additional speed could cost Texas drivers up to 0.30 per day!

Texans don't have to worry about those cataclysmic events just yet, though as this isn't law yet and will have to conduct speed studies, engineering analysis and a new truck lane. Hope, however, is on the horizon so long as Texas stays brave -- we have high hopes on this one.

Maybe I have a reason to visit Texas after all (besides looking for barbecue).

Just to reiterate: this isn't law yet. I understand the reservations that the tortoises among us have regarding this proposed speed limit, and some of them are warranted. I think far too many people overestimate their driving abilities, and the idea of a two-ton vehicle hurtling at this speed is a scary thought for those who are accustomed to 65, plus, if you crash (or find yourself on the receiving end of one) at this speed, the chances of survival are pretty much nil.

It goes without saying that I'm in favour of a bill such as this, even if it's passed with restrictions (e.g. reserved for left lane use only). I think I covered most of the concerns from the peanut gallery in the second paragraph, so I'm interested in hearing the thoughts of other driving enthusiasts.