Under legislation approved by the Indiana House Tuesday, some state speed limits could soon see a 5-mph addition.
The bill, which would affect rural sections of interstates, divided, four-lane highways and the Indiana Toll Road, passed 68-25 and will now return to the Senate for further review.
Sure, the idea of a higher speed limit seems grand to traveling Hoosiers, but it could ultimately end up slowing motorists down if effectively patrolled. Which, in terms of safety, may not be such a bad idea.
The speed racers among us would like to think of this bill as a ticket to ride our state's roads a little faster. In actuality, the only ticket it may end up giving drivers is that of one from a police officer.
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, is against the bill because he says travelers already drive 10 mph over current limits and police usually allow it to occur.
It's an undeniable truth. Many motorists will take claim to doing the proposed rate of 70 mph on any given day. The real "speeders" travel upwards of 10 to 15 mph over the posted 65 mph speed limit, and even then, they're rarely caught by police.
But just because travelers speed along now doesn't necessarily mean they will if the bill becomes law. This will hold especially true if law enforcement is pressured to remain active in their patrols.
''I don't think [the police] will allow people to go 10 mph over these limits,'' Rep. David Wolkins, R-Winona Lake, told The Associated Press.
He's more than likely right -- and that could be the biggest slow down for Indiana drivers in some time.
If the bill becomes law and police begin heavily enforcing speed limits, some motorists who often get away with 75 to 80 mph speeds may find themselves on the side of the road with their license and registration out.
Increased patrols and enforcement would keep our travels under a more cautious eye. Just the idea alone is enough to scare some motorists away from committing any serious traffic violations. For the braver of hearts, they'll be taking a larger risk when they put the pedal to the metal.
Ultimately, the law will only be effective and safe if law enforcement stays vigilant.
With heavier traffic, a larger number of motorists behind the wheel and more distractions than ever before, and it would seem like higher limits are the last thing motorists need.
But, from the looks of things, increasing the speed may actually be just what Hoosiers need.
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