Lawmakers Press For Speed Limit Montana Receives 10th Request For Special Legislative Session

Faced with a 31 percent increase in highway deaths, a group of Montana lawmakers called for a special session of the Legislature to end Montana’s status as the only state in the nation without a specified numerical speed limit.

The secretary of state’s office on Thursday received its 10th request for a special session to convene Jan. 12. That triggers a mail poll of lawmakers, and majority approval would call the session.

Montana has been without a posted daytime speed limit for most vehicles on highways since December 1995, when Congress repealed the federal speed limit. Existing law requires drivers of cars and light trucks to drive in a “reasonable and prudent” manner based on conditions.

The 1997 Legislature rejected a proposal for an 80 mph limit on all highways. But the figures then showed no increase in fatalities during the first year without a numerical speed limit. In fact, deaths dropped slightly, from 215 in 1995 to 198 in 1996.

That changed this year. As of Thursday, 177 people had been killed in traffic accidents, or 42 more than on the same date a year ago.

Those wanting a special session blame the lack of a numeric daytime speed limit.

“It’s getting to be, in my estimate, a matter of life and death,” said Rep. Joe Quilici of Butte, a session advocate. “Our friends and neighbors are dying out there.”

But others argue a link between the existing law and the increased deaths has not been proved. They note that many of the deaths involve alcohol or not wearing seat belts, and many occur at night, when a numeric speed limit is in effect - 65 mph for interstate highways, 55 mph for other highways.

One such critic is House Speaker John Mercer, R-Polson.

“Anytime that you propose or pass legislation it should be based on facts and not emotion or speculation,” he said Thursday. “Everyone agrees speed contributes to accidents, but just what difference a posted speed limit would make, no one knows.”

He also said those pushing for a special session should first find consensus on what is the best maximum speed to impose.

All those asking for the session to convene Jan. 12 are Democrats. Republicans hold majorities in both houses.