How Idaho’s freeway speed limits compare to surrounding states…

With lawmakers considering allowing big trucks to drive 75 on Idaho freeways, here’s a comparison of Idaho’s freeway speed limits to surrounding states, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, December 2011:

Idaho: 75 mph cars, 65 mph trucks
Montana: 75 mph cars, 65 mph trucks
Nevada: 75 mph all vehicles
Oregon: 65 mph cars, 55 mph trucks
Utah: 75 mph (some sections of I-15 are 80 mph)
Washington: 70 mph cars, 60 mph trucks
Wyoming: 75 mph, all vehicles

Idaho’s lower speed limit for big trucks was imposed in 1998, as part of legislation that also designated pilot routes for heavier trucks than had previously been allowed, up to 129,000 pounds. Two years earlier, in 1996, Idaho raised its top freeway speed limit to 75 mph for all vehicles.