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Proposal Would Increase Some Ohio Speed Limits to 70 MPH

Updated: Monday, March 11 2013, 10:36 PM EDT
COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Senate Transportation Committee is expected to approve a budget on Tuesday that includes a plan to increase the speed limit on many Ohio freeways to 70 miles per hour. 

The proposed change would not apply to urban areas. 

According to the committee, as of 2012 there are 35 states with posted speed limits of 70 mph or more.  Neighboring states of Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana are among those that have hiked their limits.

Chairwoman of the Transportation Committee, Senator Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, told ABC 6/FOX 28 the increase is overdue, and “the people are asking for it.” 

Manning said many Ohio freeways are three lanes, and vehicles are made safer that they were ten years ago.  Senators have removed provisions of the bill that would increase the speed limit for overweight vehicles.

The Ohio Highway Patrol said it's standing behind the change because lawmakers have addressed concerns by making sure the 70 mph limit would not be in effect on congested urban roadways. 

Truck driver Roger DeLoach of Columbus said he thinks the increase would make for smoother traffic.  While another driver, Mario Knight, thinks the plan is a bad idea because it could increase the severity of car crashes.

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Reporter: Lu Ann Stoia
Web Producer: Ken HinesProposal Would Increase Some Ohio Speed Limits to 70 MPH