Buckeye state raises highway speeds for truckers

COLUMBUS, Ohio — ‘Slowhio’ no more. It’s expected that an Ohio bill which raises truck speeds on interstates to 65 mph will be signed by the state’s governor very soon.

According to the Toldeo Blade, the speed limit change will take effect in three months. The provision was part of a $9.2 billion transportation and public safety budget.

However, the same budget also includes additional fees for truckers, such as the possibility of new toll roads.

Ohio, which is notoriously tough on highway speeders, is one of 11 states that set lower speeds for trucks than smaller passenger on highways (The Ohio Turnpike is 65 mph for trucks, though).

Supporters for the raises speed limit say it would improve traffic flow and reduce accidents by bringing truck speeds in line with that of cars.

That is essentially the argument made by opponents of mandatory speed limiter legislation in Ontario and Quebec. On July 1, both provinces begin enforcing a rule requiring truck engines be programmed to maintain speeds below 105 km/h at all times.