FARGO (KFGO KVRR) – North Dakota will become one of nine states with an 80 mile-an-hour speed limit and some public safety advocates are sharing their thoughts on the effects it may have on traffic safety. The speed limit will go from 75 miles-an-hour to 80 miles-an-hour on interstates 29 and 94 later this summer.
“Most people exceed the speed limits. They have less time to react to roadway hazards, to other people who are in the roadway who may not be completely focused on the driving requirements such as distracted driving or impaired driving,” said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
Retired North Dakota State Highway Patrol Sergeant and former State Representative Ed Gruchalla of Fargo said the higher fines included in the new law won’t do much to discourage speeding.
“In 1956, the fine for going through a red light was $20 dollars and when I put this bill in like fifteen years ago it was still $20,” said Gruchalla.
“People will still cheat about the same amount. I think we’ve got them trained now that you can go five over and there’s no worry. Hardly any law enforcement, I hate to say this, stops anybody for less than about ten over the speed limit and I don’t think that will change,” said Gruchalla.
The speed limit change takes effect August 1.
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