The North Dakota roads are getting increasingly dangerous due to distraction, recklessness, driving under the influence and drowsiness, people need to be cognizant of the potential for a crash. One issue that has always been problematic is speeding. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the potential damage when a collision occurs.
Lawmakers and law enforcement are attentive to this and try to ensure that drivers adhere to the speed limits. However, there have been attempts to increase the speed limit in the state. After the North Dakota House of Representatives engaged in spirited debate over the proposal to raise the speed limit to 80 mph, it appears as if it is going to be put in effect. Those using state roadways should know about this and be prepared.
Speed limit set to be raised to 80 mph
Initially, the House planned to reject it before reversing course. Both the state House and Senate passed House Bill 1298. Now, it will be sent to the governor.
In addition to raising the speed limit, fines for exceeding the speed limit will be calculated differently. The bill also says that the speed limit can be adjusted based on road conditions. This requires variable speed signs to account for snow lior if there is an accident ahead.
State Highway Patrol will analyze its point system for violating the law. There are questions as to whether this could raise the number of accidents and if they will be more severe. One representative referenced the numbers from South Dakota from 10 years ago when that state’s speed limit was increased to 80 mph. The numbers suggested fatality rates did not change.
Increasing the fines is expected to be a preventative measure keeping people from exceeding the speed limits. The new speed limits will not go into effect until August. The amounts drivers will be fined will be based on how many miles over the speed limit the driver was going. If drivers speed in construction zones and school zones, the fines will also be higher.
Drivers need to think about speeding and its risks in North Dakota
The increased speed limit and the adjustments as to how fines are doled out is important to North Dakota drivers. But this goes beyond the possibility of fines and points on a driver’s license.
A speeding driver has less margin for error when the unexpected happens. This can cause a severe auto accident with catastrophic injuries and death. People who were in an accident and believe speeding was a cause must know their rights and how to make a full recovery for all that was lost personally, financially and professionally.