MoDOT's Speed Limit Review: A Double-Edged Sword?
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is in the process of surveying rural highways to determine which stretches could potentially have their speed limits raised to 75 mph. This comes after Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1408, which grants MoDOT the authority to increase speed limits in certain areas.
While this development might be music to the ears of lead-footed drivers in Cole County, it's not without its complexities. The bill explicitly forbids raising speed limits in urban areas with over 50,000 residents and a population density exceeding 1,000 people per square mile, meaning Jefferson City's major highways (U.S. routes 50, 54, and 63) are off the table for this change.
The department's email on Thursday highlighted the cautious approach they're taking: "MoDOT is evaluating those eligible locations now to determine where this increase may be a possibility."
This cautiousness is understandable, given the potential risks. As Cole County Chief of Emergency Services, Eric Hoy, points out, speed limit changes can be a double-edged sword. While modern improvements in road infrastructure and vehicle safety might mitigate some risks, the potential for greater injury in accidents remains a significant concern.
The statistics are alarming. Missouri reported 911 roadway fatalities in 2025, a 5% decrease from the previous year, but still a staggering number. From 2020 to 2024, there were 5,000 deaths on Missouri roads. A MoDOT project addressing fatal crashes on U.S. 54 West near Brazito in Cole County further underscores the ongoing challenge.
However, Hoy offers a nuanced perspective. He believes that safe drivers will remain safe regardless of the speed limit. "For a responsible driver on a safe day, 75 mph is more than appropriate," he says. The key, according to Hoy, lies in focusing on fundamental safe driving habits: wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and refraining from driving under the influence.
This raises a deeper question: Are speed limits the primary factor in road safety, or are they merely a symptom of larger issues? While speed limits can influence driver behavior, they don't address underlying problems like driver distraction, fatigue, or impaired driving. A comprehensive approach to road safety, incorporating education, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement, is likely more effective.
MoDOT's review process is a necessary step, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. The broader context of road safety requires a multifaceted approach, and it's crucial to strike a balance between individualized freedoms and public safety. As MoDOT evaluates the eligible locations, the conversation around speed limits should also consider the complex interplay of factors that contribute to road safety.
