Montanans Support Daytime Speed Limit

Tue., Dec. 26, 1995

Associated Press

A small majority of Montanans believe the state should have a daytime speed limit, but more women than men like the idea, a new poll reveals.

The survey, for Lee Newspapers of Montana, shows 53 percent of those questioned want a return to some speed limit for cars and pickup trucks during daylight hours.

However, while 60 percent of women said the 1997 Legislature should restore a speed limit, only 46 percent of men felt the same way.

Overall, 37 percent of those polled said no limit should be created, while one of 10 respondents said he or she is unsure.

The poll of 817 registered voters, conducted Dec. 15-17, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.

Other poll results showed a desire for law enforcement to get tough on fugitives who are members of anti-government groups, opposition to higher taxes for more prisons and support for raising the minimum wage.

The speed limit issue has heated up since Congress abolished the federal speed limit Dec. 8, changing the daytime limit in Montana from 65 mph on interstate highways and 55 mph on two-lane highways to “reasonable and proper.”

Limits remain in place for trucks and nighttime driving.

The survey also showed differing views on what daytime limit is best.

On interstates, 47 percent of those questioned said a limit of 65 mph or 70 mph would be good; 35 percent wanted no maximum speed on divided four-lane roads, while only 7 percent favored a lower 55 mph or 60 mph limit.

On two-lane highways, 39 percent said 55 mph is fast enough, while 27 percent wanted higher limits of 60 mph or 65 mph. Only 10 percent believed 70 mph or 75 mph should be the limit on two-lane roads.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.