OOIDA Call to Action - Oregon Members
April 19, 2007

Oregon truckers – An effort in the Oregon House of Representatives would increase the speed limit for passenger vehicles while continuing to restrict truck traffic to the current 55 mph speed limit. The time is now to speak out against split speed limits on your roads.

Rep. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, has offered a bill – HB3117 – that would increase the speed limit for passenger vehicles from 65 mph to 70 mph along rural stretches of interstates. Truck traffic would continue to be restricted to the current 55 mph speed limit.

State lawmakers are clearly heading the wrong way with this one. The only speed limit policy that makes any sense is the kind that has all vehicles traveling at the same speed. Lawmakers need to know that split speed limits will make highways less safe by causing cars and trucks to be in constant conflict.

Forty states now have uniform speed limits for all vehicles using their highways.

HB3117 is currently in the House Transportation Committee. Please take time now to contact committee members and speak out against split speed limits. Contact information for committee members is listed below.

Rep. E. Terry Beyer, Chairwoman
Phone: 503-986-1412
E-mail: rep.terrybeyer@state.or.us

Rep. George Gilman, Vice Chairman
Phone: 503-986-1455
E-mail: rep.georgegilman@state.or.us

Rep. Carolyn Tomei, Vice Chairwoman
Phone: 503-986-1441
E-mail: rep.carolyntomei@state.or.us

Rep. Peter Buckley
Phone: 503-986-1405
E-mail: rep.peterbuckley@state.or.us

Rep. R. Tom Butler
Phone: 503-986-1460
E-mail: rep.tombutler@state.or.us

Rep. Tobias Read
Phone: 503-986-1427
E-mail: rep.tobiasread@state.or.us

Rep. Greg Smith
Phone: 503-986-1457