Messmer Column: Increasing speed limits for commercial trucks

Local Sources-  On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) focuses on increasing speed limits for commercial trucks.

Known as "The Crossroads of America," Indiana benefits from its central location in the United States.

With the many interstates crossing the state, trucking, transportation and logistics industries play a major role in our state's economy.

Anyone who has traveled Indiana's interstates through rural stretches has likely noticed the speed limit for large trucks is 65 mph while speeds for smaller vehicles is 70 mph.

Currently, Indiana is one of only nine states that has a speed differential between large trucks and smaller vehicles.

Senate Bill 13 would raise the speed limit for large trucks to equal that of smaller vehicles on Indiana interstates.

Accidents can occur as cars try to overtake large trucks. If these trucks, however, are able to go the same speed, traffic will flow better and prevent many accidents from happening.

During the bill's hearing in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation, the Indiana Department of Transportation outlined its joint study with Purdue University in 2019, which researched the benefits of increasing the commercial truck speed limit to 70 mph.

The study found that the increase speed limit would reduce crash frequency by about 20%.

This bill would promote Indiana's dedication to transportation safety for Hoosier motorists and all those traveling through our state.

Senate Bill 13 passed the Senate on Monday, Feb. 20 by a vote of 42-5 and now moves on to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.