Heads up, Arizona truckers! A bill in the state’s House would slow large trucks by 5 mph along interstates posted with 65 mph speed limits. It is imperative that you take time now to contact members of the House Transportation and Rules committees and share your concerns about this bill – HB2314.

State law now allows all traffic to drive 65 mph on interstate highways outside urban areas with populations of at least 50,000. The Arizona Department of Transportation also can set speeds on rural portions of interstates at 75 mph.

Sponsored by Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, HB2314 would require vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds declared gross weight to drive 60 mph. All other vehicles would be allowed to continue to travel at the current 65 mph speed limit.

While talking with lawmakers it is important to point out that by having one speed limit with 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 common sense that highway engineers have known and followed for decades.

We can’t afford to have our elected officials sacrificing our safety because they might be uninformed. It is vital you contact members of the House Transportation and Rules committees and let them know the importance of uniform speeds to road safety. Links are provided below for each member’s contact information. You can also call OOIDA’s Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they’ll look it up.

House Transportation Committee: http://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=59&Legislature=48&Session_ID=86

House Rules Committee:
http://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=58&Legislature=48&Session_ID=86