OOIDA Call to Action - Idaho Members
February 9, 2006

[UPDATE: On Feb. 14, the bill sponsor withdrew the bill from consideration, effectively killing it] Attention: Idaho truckers! It is imperative that you contact members of the Senate Transportation Committee about a proposal to abolish the state's split speed limit on interstate highways. AAA of Idaho already has stated their opposition to the effort.

The legislation, S1349, sponsored by Sen. Tim Corder, R-Mountain Home, would eliminate provisions in Idaho law that set up a slower speed for vehicles with five or more axles operating at a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds.

Currently, those vehicles are limited to 65 mph on the affected roadways while all other vehicles can travel 75 mph. Under the measure, all vehicles could go 75 mph.

The bill -S1349 - is expected to get a full hearing before the transportation panel in the coming weeks.

By having one speed limit for which all vehicles comply, the need for passing, lane changes, tailgating, and other maneuvers that create opportunities for drivers to make mistakes is minimized. This isn't physics or rocket science. It's simple commonsense that highway engineers have known and followed for decades.

It is vital you contact the committee members listed below and let them know the importance of uniform speeds to road safety. A link is provided for each members e-mail.

Sen. Chair Skip Brandt
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=98

Sen. Vice Chair John McGee
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=146

Sen. Shawn Keough
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=94

Sen. Robert L. Geddes
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=92

Sen. Brad Little
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=67

Sen. Curt McKenzie
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=145

Sen. Michael Jorgenson
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=138

Sen. Bert C. Marley
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=101

Sen. David Langhorst
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=68

To contact committee members by phone call (208) 332-1000. The phone number is the general information line for the Legislature. Simply ask the operator to forward you to the lawmaker's office.