A bill that would increase the speed limit on rural Illinois highways to 70 mph passed the Illinois House this week by a wide margin.
The Freeport Journal-Standard reported the bill passed by a vote of 85-30, enough to override any potential veto by Gov. Pat Quinn. The measure also was passed with a veto proof majority in the Senate.
Among those opposed to the increase are AAA and the National Transportation Safety Administration.
"[T]he bill has the potential to drastically increase the risk of injury and death on Illinois highways," a press release from AAA states.
The AAA points out that about half of fatalities on Illinois roadways are caused by speeding. In 2011, there were 918 fatalities and about 439 were related to speeding. An informaton sheet from the AAA is attached to this post.
Proponents of the measure argue that a higher speed limit would be "business-friendly" and that the current speed limit encourages people to avoid driving through Illinois, decreasing revenue, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Supporters, such as Marengo Democrat Jack Franks, point out that 34 states already have a speed limit of 70 mph.