10/9/03-Opponents of eliminating the split speed limit had their opportunity to be heard Oct. 8 in Columbus.
Testifying for the State Patrol was Col. Paul McClellan, superintendent. McClellan said the patrol opposed a change in state law because it would increase vehicle-stopping distances. He said that 74 percent of tickets issued to truckers were for speeds of 66 mph and above and another 2,500 tickets were written for speeds of 75 mph and above.
He also said the number of trucks involved in fatal crashes in the state declined from 201 in 1995 to 161 in 2001.
Also testifying against eliminating the differential speed limit was the Ohio Conference of AAA clubs and Columbus truck driver Robert Vermatten. Vermatten said most trucks could run 65 mph now without problems from the patrol.
Ohio has the fifth highest volume of truck traffic in the United States.
“ The patrol is using data to its maximum advantage,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “And there’s a little spin involved, too.
“ For instance, the 20 percent reduction in truck crashes did occur in Ohio, but not really over the seven-year period they imply,” he said. “Fatality accidents with truckers were pretty flat from 1993 through 1999. Truck accidents went down in the state 20 percent in 2000 and 2001. The split speed limit was in effect during all those years.
“ The more likely reason is economic activity,” Spencer said. “The years 2000 and 2001 were pretty tough for truckers. Many trucks were repossessed. Other trucks were parked because of the slow economy.
“ Likewise, the patrol squeezes all the mileage possible out of truck stopping distances,” he said. “While it is certainly true that truck stopping distances increase as the truck goes faster, it is also true that cars are three to four times more likely to run into the backs of trucks. And no one is talking about stopping distances for cars.”
No additional hearings are scheduled at this time, but there could be one more in November, Spencer said. Another hearing could be helpful in addressing some of the issues raised by the patrol. For one, a uniform 65 mph speed limit on interstates and the Ohio Turnpike would encourage more trucks to use those roads instead of other less safe alternate routes.
“ The patrol is claiming that it is only owner-operators (and not trucking companies) that want this change so they can drive faster and make more money,” Spencer said. “So it is important that lawmakers hear from trucking company owners who want a uniform speed limit. If you own a small fleet, let your lawmakers know you are a trucking company in support of the change. If you are leased to an Ohio-based carrier, encourage that carrier to let lawmakers know you support a uniform speed limit.”
If you would like to testify in support of SB94 and HB186, contact Angel Burnell at 1-800-444-5791. And let your lawmakers know that you support the legislation.

5/27/03-The House Transportation and Public Safety Committee is reviewing legislation to rid the state of split speed limits.
HB186, introduced by Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, would eliminate provisions in Ohio law that set up a slower speed for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds.
Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. Under the new bill, all vehicles would have a 65 mph speed limit.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842.

5/16/03-A bill has been introduced in the General Assembly to rid the state of split speed limits.
HB186, introduced by Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, would eliminate provisions in Ohio law that set up a slower speed for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds.
Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. Under the new bill, all vehicles would have a 65 mph speed limit.
The measure has yet to be sent to a committee. For bill status, call (614) 466-8842.