Ohio Rejects Proposal to Raise Speed Limits to 85 MPH

Post by : Monika

Photo: AP

In August 2025, Ohio faced a heated debate over a new bill that would have raised speed limits on certain highways to 85 miles per hour. The state legislature passed the bill, targeting specific stretches of road, including sections of the Ohio Turnpike.

Supporters of the measure argued that increasing the speed limits would help traffic move more efficiently and would align Ohio’s highways with neighboring states that already allow higher speeds. However, Governor Mike DeWine chose to veto the bill, pointing to concerns about public safety and the potential for more accidents on the roads.

Background of the Proposal

The proposal to increase highway speed limits in Ohio reflects a wider trend across the United States. Several states have considered or implemented higher speed limits to improve travel efficiency. Texas, for example, has stretches of highway where the speed limit reaches 85 miles per hour. Advocates for higher limits argue that modern vehicles are designed to safely handle faster speeds and that increasing the limits could reduce congestion by allowing vehicles to move more freely.

In Ohio, the legislature’s proposal stirred significant attention. Supporters argued that Ohio needed to catch up with states like Indiana and Pennsylvania, which have already implemented higher highway speed limits. They also suggested that higher speeds could reduce travel time for commuters and commercial drivers, benefiting the state’s economy and transportation efficiency.

Governor Mike DeWine’s Veto

Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, acted quickly to veto the bill after it passed the legislature. In his statement, DeWine highlighted safety concerns as the primary reason for his decision. He stressed that raising speed limits could increase the number and severity of traffic accidents, particularly fatal crashes. For DeWine, public safety outweighed potential benefits such as reduced travel time or improved highway efficiency.

The governor’s decision drew a mix of reactions. Supporters of the bill were disappointed, arguing that the veto missed an opportunity to modernize Ohio’s highways and improve the flow of traffic.

They cited studies indicating that higher speed limits do not always result in more accidents and noted that modern vehicles include advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and airbags that help protect drivers at higher speeds.

On the other hand, public safety advocates welcomed the veto. Road safety experts and health officials emphasized that maintaining conservative speed limits helps prevent accidents and saves lives.

Data consistently show that higher speeds increase the severity of crashes and reduce the effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags. Many agreed that prioritizing safety on Ohio’s highways was the right choice.

Legislative Response and Political Debate

Following Governor DeWine’s veto, members of the state legislature considered whether to attempt an override. Overriding a governor’s veto requires a two-thirds majority vote, which proved challenging given the mixed opinions among lawmakers.

Some legislators remained strong supporters of higher speed limits, arguing that the measure would benefit Ohio’s economy and make transportation more efficient. Others, especially those representing urban areas with high traffic density, were more cautious, concerned about the potential for increased accidents in heavily traveled regions.

The debate in the legislature highlighted a broader tension between economic development and public safety. While proponents argued that higher speed limits could reduce travel times and improve highway efficiency, opponents stressed the importance of saving lives and preventing accidents. Lawmakers were forced to consider both the immediate and long-term implications of their decision for Ohio residents.

Broader National Context

Ohio’s debate over speed limits is part of a larger conversation taking place across the United States. As vehicle technology advances and traffic conditions evolve, policymakers face difficult decisions about how to balance speed, safety, and efficiency. Some states have chosen to raise speed limits to modernize roads and improve travel flow, while others have maintained or even lowered limits in response to safety concerns.

Supporters of higher speed limits argue that modern vehicles can safely handle faster speeds and that increasing limits reduces congestion on busy highways. They also point to research suggesting that, with proper enforcement and infrastructure, drivers can travel at higher speeds without significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Safety advocates counter that higher speed limits inherently increase the severity of accidents when they do occur. Higher speeds leave less reaction time for drivers, increase stopping distances, and make crashes more deadly. Additionally, faster driving can lead to higher fuel consumption and greater greenhouse gas emissions, creating environmental concerns alongside safety risks.

Safety Concerns and Public Health

Safety experts highlight that even small increases in speed can significantly affect accident outcomes. A crash at 85 mph can be far more dangerous than one at 70 mph. Emergency response times, vehicle damage, and the likelihood of serious injury all rise as speed increases.

Public health officials often use this data to support conservative speed limits, arguing that preventing crashes is the most effective way to save lives.

In Ohio, experts warned that increasing speed limits on the Turnpike and other highways could have a disproportionate impact on less-experienced drivers, including teenagers and older adults. In addition, higher speeds increase the challenges for law enforcement, who may need additional resources to monitor and enforce the faster limits.

Economic and Transportation Considerations

Proponents of higher speed limits stress the potential economic benefits. Faster travel times can improve commerce by allowing trucks and delivery vehicles to move more efficiently. Commuters would also save time traveling to work or school. These factors can contribute to economic growth and reduce costs for businesses relying on transportation.

However, critics argue that any economic benefit may be offset by increased healthcare costs resulting from more severe accidents. They also note that higher speeds can lead to more wear and tear on vehicles and road infrastructure, potentially creating higher maintenance expenses for both the state and drivers.

Public Opinion

Public opinion in Ohio is divided. Many drivers favor higher speed limits, seeing them as a way to save time and drive more freely on open highways. Others are concerned about safety, especially in areas prone to heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. This division mirrors the national debate, where communities weigh the convenience of faster travel against the risks of higher-speed crashes.

The debate over raising speed limits in Ohio highlights the complexity of transportation policy. Governor DeWine’s veto reflects a careful approach, prioritizing the safety and well-being of Ohio residents over potential economic and efficiency gains. As vehicle technology, road conditions, and traffic patterns continue to evolve, discussions about speed limits are likely to remain contentious.

Ohio’s decision also reflects broader national conversations about balancing efficiency, public safety, and environmental concerns. Policymakers across the country face similar challenges: how to allow for faster, more efficient travel while protecting lives and minimizing risks on the road.

In the coming months, the Ohio legislature may attempt to revisit the bill, consider modifications, or focus on alternative transportation improvements. For now, the state maintains current speed limits, emphasizing caution, public safety, and a thoughtful approach to highway management.

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