North Carolina Speed Limit Debate Slowed

The full House has hit the brakes at least for another day on a vote for legislation that could raise the speed limit on some North Carolina interstates and highways from 70 mph to 75.

The House debated briefly Wednesday the Senate bill giving the Department of Transportation authority to raise the limit to 75 on a road if deemed safe and reasonable and traffic and engineering allow it. Then House Speaker Thom Tillis stopped debate and said it would resume Thursday.

Several House members spoke against the change, worried that it would lead to more accidents and casualties. Supporters of the change say DOT will decide what’s safe and that motorists should be allowed to go faster on open roads without risking a ticket.