Sponsor of 75 mph truck speed bill says he just wants ‘to have this conversation’

As the Senate Transportation Committee opens its hearing this afternoon on SB 1229, Sen. Jim Hammond’s bill to let trucks drive 75 mph on Idaho’s rural interstates, Hammond sounds resigned to the bill likely not passing. “The primary issue that brought this forth was safety,” he said. “Throughout my service on this committee, I have heard how safety is always enhanced when you’ve got all traffic flowing at a common speed.” However, he said, “I also learned that it’s really unlikely that common speed can be achieved, based on the fact that most trucks have speed limiters. … Also some drivers will just choose to drive a lower speed than the maximum speed.”

Hammond said the issue is “ripe for consideration,” adding, “I won’t tell you that it’s absolutely something that’s necessary for the sate of Idaho. … I would at least like to have this conversation today.” He told lawmakers, “I’m happy to live with whatever decision this committee comes up with.”