Take Our Poll: 70 mph Speed Limit on Turnpike?
State lawmakers might raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour. Do you support the move?
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour.
The House Transportation Committee recently approved the measure, which would affect sections of both the Northeast Extension and the rest of the turnpike.
Supporters of the measure say the change makes sense because vehicles are safer and the turnpike is wider, flatter and straighter thanks to road improvements.
There is no timetable for when - or if - the bill will come to a vote. Turnpike officials say the speed limit change would not be made without additional study and would apply only to some portions of the road.
Do you think the speed limit should be raised? Vote in our poll and add your comments below.
Missy Moyer-Schneck
9:52 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
This would just make it legal, everyone, or most people already drive like maniacs on these roads illegally, there are not enough patrol cars to enforce speed limits as is, this would justean more lawsuits from deadly accidents
Bill Shoemaker
10:17 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
The speed limit should be based on what is safe and reasonable for the roads; that is how by law they set the speed limits on non-turnpike type roads in Pennsylvania. The 55 number was based on politicians back in the 70's trying to come up with a compromise number that they thought would save gas during the oil crises. There have been dozens of studies showing that 55 both saves / does not save either lives / gas based on who is doing the study. Make the speed limit based on safe and reasonable for the roads in question.
Carl W
3:27 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Right-on! Note: said considering for PARTS of road. Nonetheless, 65 m.p.h. is enough. How 'bout bigger speed limit signs now, with " M A X." underneath them. Remember, these are speed LIMITS, not just a suggestion, a LIMIT !!
JDBroomall
9:17 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Carl: Technically.... you could drive up to 5 mphs over the speed limit when posted signs are more than 55mph and up to 10 mphs over the speed limit when posted signs are less than 55mph
The more you know (might save you some $$$ in a ticket) ; )
§ 3368. (c) (4) Speed timing devices.
No person may be convicted upon evidence obtained
through the use of devices authorized by paragraphs (2) and
(3) unless the speed recorded is six or more miles per hour
in excess of the legal speed limit. Furthermore, no person
may be convicted upon evidence obtained through the use of
devices authorized by paragraph (3) in an area where the
legal speed limit is less than 55 miles per hour if the speed
recorded is less than ten miles per hour in excess of the
legal speed limit. This paragraph shall not apply to evidence
obtained through the use of devices authorized by paragraph
(2) or (3) within a school zone or an active work zone.
Jim L
10:29 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
People drive 70-75 anyway so why not
I would say raise it WEST of Valley Forge, just too much traffic from the river to VF
Maria Kollar
10:41 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
I was on the turnpoke on Saturday May 12 with a posted speed on the NE Ext. of 65. I was doing 75-80 for the most part and people were still passing me like I was parked!
Sheriffchris
3:58 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Maria...just a word of advice, you put in writing the date and place you broke the law...not too swift...in effect, you admited speeding and could receive a citation based on your "confession"....
Patch Reader
10:08 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
In reply to Sheriffchris, this is a non-issue. They (PTC) record your entry and exit time if you use E-Z Pass, and they photograph your license plate upon entry and exit if you go through any of the E Z Pass lanes (and who pays all cash these days, little old ladies?), so they have thousands and thousands of speeders who are easier (computerized) to catch than those who post their speeds here on Patch.
citizenknow
4:12 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I've flown past cops doing 85 on the turnpike. They didn't pull me over. Plain and simple she's not going to get a citation to admitting something in an online venue, or even face to face to a cop. It's just not going to happen.
JDBroomall
10:51 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
It should be increased to 75-80 mphs. If you drive any slower than 80, you're going to get rear ended and frankly, if you're too scared to go faster than 65, you shouldn't have a license. You're a danger to the rest of us. My concern is not with the max speed, my concern is with the Lemmings riding the left lane going 50mphs. Police need to stop sitting in the middle divider because it causes people to slam on their brakes down to 45mphs out of "fear" which in turn starts a backup that extends for MILES...
If police would start pulling people over that ride the left lane (State law is "drive right, pass left") and people that drive too slow, everyone would be safer. While I'm at it... drivers over the age of 70, need to be re-tested annually.
Jim L
10:56 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Agree 110%
Version
12:56 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
That state law that you talk about is no longer the case, you can pass on the left or right!! We should do what NJ does, with the left right thing It is posted slow law to the right. Also, 65 mpg should be where the limit is with speed. If you are going 80 on the roads around here with all the traffic, that is just unsafe and crazy!!!
JDBroomall
1:42 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Version:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter33.pdf
§ 3301. Driving on right side of roadway. (AKA Stay to the right unless passing)
(a) General rule.--Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except as follows:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction where permitted by the rules governing such movement.
§ 3303. Overtaking vehicle on the left (AKA: Get the hell outta the left lane when you see me trying to pass you)
The driver of an overtaken vehicle shall not increase the speed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle and shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on suitable signal.
And for the record..... PA shouldn't do ANYTHING NJ does. It's bad enough we have bridges connecting us together.
Version
3:42 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
JD Broomall, sorry you are totally right. But what I was talking about was passing on a two (four) lane highway. When I first learned to drive (late 1970’s) you were not allowed to pass in the left lane on two (four) lane highway, you had to pass on the right, put the wording of the law has changed, even in the driver manual. This is why I always thought the NJ law would be good; it keeps slow traffic in the right lane. Unlike this state, a lot of SLOW people are always in that left lane!!
citizenknow
4:17 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
JDBroomall: 3301 is applicable to roadways which are unlined and dictate that you have to drive on the right side of the road.
The applicable section here is
§ 3313. Restrictions on use of limited access highways.
(d) DRIVING IN RIGHT LANE. —
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and unless otherwise posted, upon all limited access highways having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lanes when available for traffic except when any of the following conditions exist:
(i) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
(ii) When traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow.
(iii) When moving left to allow traffic to merge.
(iv) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted.
JDBroomall
4:22 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Citizenknow: Thanks for the citation! Nice to talk to other people that RESEARCH things and use facts instead of just spitting out "this guy told me..."
Carl W
3:16 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I agree to most, if not all. Any police out there? ESPECIALLY on the TPKE, get those tailgaters, then the speedys snaking through the traffic @ 90 m.p.h.
Unfortunately, heading south to Philly @ rush hour, you pretty much HAVE to ride the left lane, just for all the cars to fit. DID YOU KNOW: Turnpike, not making enough money as is, has to PAY State Police for their patrols. Perhaps a "blitz attack?" Pay P.S.P. for more troopers, temp, to get out there & slam dunk a few times (& use distinctly unmarked cars somewhat), to ticket the h--- out of overtly wreckless drivers, as the ones I've mentioned. Maybe tickets will defray the cost? P.S.P. - Fogelsville did that on '78 past Rte.100 for a while, and it worked.
Jim L
10:55 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Norristown to VF is brand new, wide and smooth.
Except for rush hour, 75-80 is the norm.
However, that section may be one of the safest with wide lanes, new barriers, smooth pavement, etc.
West of Valley Forge should be the discussion for a permanently raised limit especially after Downingtown where the speed is dictated by traffic (as it should be).
A Toyota Corolla is safer these days at 75-80 than a 20 year old Mercedes was back then.
Driver education is still the key and as long as we (the USA) has really nothing comprehensive to speak of, we still will have horrible drivers.
I used to drive the turnpike at a steady 80, now I go 75 or so (old age creeping in)! but 75 is a reasonable speed limit.
The entire Western USA has a limit of 75 (and up to 80 on some) on most highways
Susan Koomar
5:02 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Jim, thanks for the interesting info and for sharing your personal experience. Very helpful for our discussion here!
Jim L
4:06 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
There NEVER was a law which suggested to pass on the right, your memory hs failed you
Version
5:33 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Jim L, there is not need for personal attacks.
Marc L.
5:23 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
With a 65mph limit they go 80-85. So with a 70mph speed limit we can expect people to go 90? Is there a problem that it's taking us too long to get somewhere?
JIM SIEGLER
6:27 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
no- people go 70 or more anyway. If you make it 70 more peoplr will be going 80 or more
JDBroomall
10:13 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Jim/Marc: People aren't going to speed just because the limit is raised. In all actuality, whether they go 70 or 80 or 90, they are still speeding and taking a risk of ticket.
The reason the 55mphs speed limit needs to be raised is because it is OLD and doesn't reflect the ability and saftey of today's cars and road in regards to technology. If everyone went 55mphs, this is what you'd have. On some roads... you do have this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=124s
Jim L
12:41 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Smart kids
Dana
12:57 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Great news! Now my husband can adjust my 'warning' alarm to a higher mph!! Woohoo! Caption>> (A car going 55mph) Woosh!! "What was that breeze of air that just spun me in a circle?" (My car)>> "Haha...that was me!" Catch me if you can..... lol...just having fun peoples...
Ted Williams
7:57 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
This must be an ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) mandated effort. All Republicans in the State House are bought and paid for by ALEC (and in other states as well). We can thank them for the "war on women" (totally unnecessary medical procedures on women solely for the purpose of harassment) , "voter suppression" (discourage the aged, poor, disabled, and people with dark skin from voting), and "stand your ground" (OK to shoot people who look different than you in your neighborhood).
JDBroomall
9:22 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Weird Ted... I googled "Liberal, hyperbolic rant" and it linked me to your post.
You should do some internal reflection on your racial issues. It's not healthy.
tamarya
12:59 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
In reference to your stand your ground comment, if someone shot the person that looked like a star of the movie airing we would not be reading the depressing news of colorado daily when we log our internet on, plus 12 people would be here still enjoying life and the few dozen would not be in the hospital recovering, like they are.
Jim L
8:06 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Oh that was really helpful and germain to the conversation.......
Eric
12:23 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
70 mph vs. 65 mph saves 5.41 minutes for each hour traveled. In real world terms, that means you save 21 minutes, but spend over $6 in wasted fuel (1/4 the cost of tolls) on a trip from Valley Forge to the Ohio state line. There is also the discussion of the disproportionate increase of kinetic energy at 70 vs. 65, and how that affects crash survivability, but it's complicated.
SLOW DOWN - SAVE FUEL - PUT DOWN THE PHONE - ENJOY THE RIDE - LIVE LONGER
Eric
12:31 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
I'll leave out the disproportionate increase in kinetic energy at 70 vs. 65, and focus on what matters to most folks, saving a buck. Increasing your speed from 65 to 70 causes a significantly higher rate of fuel consumption, and saves only minutes (5.41 if my ciphering is accurate) for each hour of driving. In a real world application, that would save 21 minutes on a trip from Valley Forge to the Ohio state line, while costing nearly $6 more for fuel (1/4 the cost of tolls). Don't believe me? check out the facts here http://www.mpgforspeed.com/
SLOW DOWN - PUT DOWN THE PHONE - ENJOY THE RIDE - SAVE FUEL - LIVE LONGER
citizenknow
9:49 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
I don't care about mpg. I get on the turnpike and set cruise control to 80-85 depending on traffic conditions.
JDBroomall
11:46 pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012
Eric: You're one of those "looks good on paper" kinda guys, huh?
Here is what your world looks like in reality. You want to go 55mph? Fine, go do it. Stay to the FAR right and get out of my way. If I drive slower than 80mphs, I'll fall asleep. 55mphs was an appropriate speed limit when the roads were unpaved with stones and automobile technology was stuck in 1950.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=124s
Josh Popichak
7:19 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
I just came back from Louisiana/Mississippi, where all the highways we traveled on had a speed limit of 70mph. That said, there didn't seem to be nearly the truck traffic that we have on Pennsylvania highways. So while I support the idea in general I'm not sure it's a good fit for the PA Turnpike. And since everyone on the NE Extension seems to drive 80 to 90mph anyway, increasing the limit seems like kind of a moot point.
citizenknow
9:49 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
It would be possibly to legislate a truck speed limit and a non truck speed limit.
tamarya
11:42 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
If they up the speed limit to 70 the trucks will no longer be the ones driving like idiots as most people say, because trucks are usually governed at 65.
tamarya
11:43 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
So far every company my husband drove for they were.