Opinions Rolling Along On Speed Limit Changes State Gathering Comments On Whether To Raise Limits On U.S. 2, U.S. 195, Other Area Highways

The trip to Pasco or Wenatchee would be quicker if the state follows the advice of people who responded to a survey about speed limits.

But getting to ski slopes in Canada would take just as long as it does now.

So far, about 200 people have written, faxed or called the Washington Department of Transportation to comment about speed limits on some Eastern Washington highways. The survey continues through May 24.

State officials may raise the limit on U.S. Highway 2, U.S. 195 and U.S. 395, as well as state Highway 26.

Giddy with the thrill of legally driving 70 mph since the state upped the speed limit on Interstate 90 in March, most respondents said they think 70 mph is about right for the drive between Ritzville and Pasco, as well.

The 55-mph limit is almost universally ignored on that stretch of U.S. 395, state officials concede.

Nearly all respondents also favor faster speed limits on westbound U.S. 2, which cuts through wheat fields and sagebrush between Spokane and Wenatchee before crossing the Cascade Mountains at Stevens Pass.

But the survey respondents think people already drive too fast on northbound U.S. 2 and U.S. 395 north of Spokane. Keep the limit at 55 or lower it a tad, most wrote.

“It’s crazy out here,” wrote Jill Bray of Deer Park.

Fifty-five also is fine on state Highway 26, respondents said. Many students use that two-lane road to reach Washington State University from their parents’ homes on the West Side.

Those students, particularly the males, “are not the safest drivers,” wrote Carrie Giovanni.

Opinions varied widely on the proper speed for U.S. Highway 195 between Spokane and Clarkston. The number of people who want it set at 65 or 70 mph are nearly equal to those who think it should remain 55.

One person used the Cheney Grain Growers’ fax machine to tell transportation officials the speed limit should be 75 mph on U.S. 195.

“Let it rip!” wrote the anonymous faxer.

R.I.P. is more appropriate, according to others.

Marsha Lee Wilkinson of Colfax said upping the limit on U.S. 195 would be “stupid.” Pullman’s Jane Daugherty said it’s “insane” to even consider such things.

“Every day, I see near-misses,” wrote Mrs. Harold Weber of Uniontown.

Contrary to a rumor circulating in the Palouse, state officials are not thinking of changing the limit on state Highway 270 between Pullman and Moscow, Idaho.

Five respondents berated transportation officials for considering higher speeds on that seven-mile stretch of road, which one called “the most dangerous highway in the state.”

Among the respondents were several elected officials.

The Colville City Council voted unanimously to oppose faster speeds on U.S. Highway 395 north of Spokane, reported Mayor Duane Scott. But Othello Mayor Milo Hirschi supports a 70-mph limit on the same highway in the open country near his town.

Lincoln County Commissioner Irwin “Bill” Graedel suggested upping the limit to 65 mph on Highways 21 and 28, which weren’t on the survey. Those roads are as straight as a stalk of Lincoln County wheat.

Spokane County Commissioner John Roskelley opposes any increase anywhere, while Stevens County Commissioner J.D. Anderson wants to drive faster everywhere.

“No one can prove that speed has caused any accidents or deaths,” wrote Anderson.

The real problem, he said, is people who drive slower than the speed limit and those who take chances trying to pass them.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: How to comment Comments about speed limits on U.S. Highway 2, U.S. 195, U.S. 395 and state Highway 26 will be accepted through May 24. Call 324-6015 or send a fax to 324-6005. Letters can be mailed to WSDOT Speed Limits; 2714 N. Mayfair; Spokane, WA 99207. On the Internet, point your browser at http:/ /www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/eastern/ spdsurvy.htm.