Higher speeds OK

Kansas has some of the best highways in the nation and a lower top speed limit than three of its neighbors. So the Legislature’s final action last week on a bill upping the state’s speed limit from 70 to 75 mph made sense. Too bad the measure includes a nonsensical $10 cap on seat-belt fines that meddles with municipalities, including Wichita, that have set fines higher than state law and will deter compliance with the state’s year-old primary seat-belt law.

Assuming that Gov. Sam Brownback signs the bill, the higher speed limit on some divided, multilane highways should help Kansas capture some of the long-distance truckers and other travelers currently attracted to the 75-mph limits of I-80 in Nebraska and the Oklahoma turnpikes. Cars are even better equipped to handle high speed now than they were in 1974, the last time Kansans could drive 75 mph legally. The higher speed limit also will be good for Kansans’ time management, if not their greenhouse-gas emissions. And patching existing signs shouldn’t cost more than $24,700, according to the state.

The legislation gives the Kansas Department of Transportation discretion in deciding which four-lane highways are suited to a 75-mph limit. Officials should be wary of using it for roadways that aren’t limited access, such as K-96 and K-254, and already prone to intersection collisions.

The impact of higher speeds on public safety statewide is a concern and worth watching closely going forward, especially if it ends the declining recent trend in annual traffic fatalities in Kansas.

An increased speed limit on Kansas highways will call for increased caution among drivers.

This story was originally published April 5, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Higher speeds OK."