The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has witnessed countless political maneuverings through the years in Illinois, but none as vexing to truckers as Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s efforts to preserve dangerous variances in the state’s speed limits. Blago is gone now, and OOIDA’s resolve has paid off with the abolishment of split speeds.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill into law Friday, Aug. 14, that brings an end to split speed limits on rural, interstate highways.
The change in policy in Illinois marks the second time this year that a battleground state has adopted uniform speeds. On July 1, Ohio eliminated the slower speed on interstates posted at 65 mph for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds. Large vehicles had been required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles.
The passage of uniform speeds in the two states is more than just welcome news to truckers. It is a resounding victory for OOIDA, its members and others who fought the long battle to give the axe to speed variances.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome than to add Illinois and Ohio to the list of states that have eliminated split speeds, thanks to a long campaign by OOIDA to inform and reform bad safety policy,” Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice president, told Land Line.
Full Story at Land Line
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