State Rep. Ron Maag has proposed legislation that would raise the speed limit on Ohio’s interstate highways to 70 mph.

House Bill 395 is meant to make Ohio’s interstate speed consistent with the Ohio Turnpike (which was raised to 70 mph last year) and the neighboring states of Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky. According to news reports, fatalities on the turnpike actually decreased after the speed limit was raised.

The NMA supports setting speed limits based on sound engineering principles that consider responsible motorists’ actual travel speeds. (Learn more about the NMA’s views on speed limits.) Setting speed limits this way decreases accidents and improves traffic flow, which are the goals of this legislation.

The proposed 70 mph limit would apply to all vehicles and would not mandate lower speed limits for trucks. In addition, the bill includes strong Lane Courtesy requirements for slower traffic to keep right under most conditions. Both of these provisions are important for maintaining consistent traffic flow and reducing accidents.

HB 395 is under review in the House Transportation Committee, which will likely hold hearings on the measure in the next month. Please contact the committee members along with your local Senate and House members to show your support for safer, more efficient interstate travel in Ohio.