By Eve 
Missouri lawmakers are weighing whether higher speed limits make sense in an era of increasingly safer vehicles, as a new bill proposes raising limits on some rural highways across the state.
The measure, Senate Bill 1408, would allow speed limits on certain rural roads to increase from 70 mph to 75 mph. The proposal would not affect highways in urban or suburban areas, focusing only on rural stretches where traffic patterns and roadway design differ significantly from city corridors.
Supporters of the bill argue the change would largely formalize existing behavior. Many drivers already travel at or above 70 mph on rural interstates, and advocates say the current limit no longer reflects how roads are used or how vehicles perform. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jamie Burger of District 27, has pointed to advancements in vehicle technology and manufacturing since Missouri’s current limits were established.
Modern cars are equipped with features designed to assist drivers and reduce risk, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering systems, and blind-spot monitoring. In addition, improvements in vehicle structure, materials, and production methods have increased occupant protection in crashes. Supporters believe these developments make higher cruising speeds more manageable than in past decades.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some motorists support the proposal, noting they already exceed the current limit by several miles per hour and see little downside to a modest increase. Others remain concerned about safety implications and the potential for more severe crashes.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has expressed reservations about the proposal, citing data showing speed plays a role in roughly one-third of crashes statewide. However, supporters of the bill argue that such figures can be misleading. A crash categorized as speed-related does not necessarily involve excessive speed, as a vehicle traveling below the posted limit can still be considered too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions.
The debate highlights a broader national conversation, as speed limits vary widely across the country. While some states cap rural interstates at 60 mph, others allow speeds up to 80 mph, with Texas operating a section of roadway posted at 85 mph.
Lawmakers continue to debate whether Missouri should follow that trend. If the bill is approved, the higher limits could take effect as early as August.
Shawn Henry