RALEIGH, N.C–The state Senate passed a proposal on Thursday to raise the maximum speed limit in North Carolina from 70 to 75 miles per hour.
Senator Neal Hunt of Wake County is the sponsor behind Senate Bill 709 that would raise the limit on highways and interstates, including those in rural areas.
Hunt says the measure will move traffic along more quickly, and motorists will have the opportunity to go faster, without worrying about speeding tickets.
However, some North Carolina State Troopers feel the increase will only result in an increase in the amount of drivers that speed.
Trooper Greg Ingram says speeding is a major factor in many motor vehicles along North Carolina highways.
“For those that constantly drive at or above the speed limit, you know if the speed limit changes, than they [speeding offenders] will also change with the speed,” Ingram said.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, nearly 400 people died last year in speed related motor vehicle accidents.
The sections of highway that are 70 miles per hour in the Piedmont-Triad are Interstate 85 south of Greensboro, and a section of I-40 on the Davie\Iredell County border.
Lawmakers says the change in speed limit will not affect the state’s eligibility for federal highway funding.
The DOT has not said which roads will see the speed limit increase.
