Hey Iowa Come On, It’s Time to Raise our Interstate Speed Limits [OPINION]

It's time we talk about speed limits in Iowa. Specifically, one that seems outdated: the 70 mph cap on rural interstates.

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at how speed limits are structured across the state.

Read More: Iowa RV Manufacturer Will Layoff Plant Employees This Fall

Most highways in Iowa have reasonable speed limits: 55 mph on the majority of roads, up to 65 mph in urban areas, and some smaller, one-lane highways tend to land around 60 mph.

But it's the 70 mph limit on rural interstates, like I-380, that I believe needs rethinking.

Read More: There are SO Many Events Coming Our Way in November!

Now, let’s focus on I-380, a highway many of us travel frequently. We all know it as part of the “I-380 Corridor,” or simply “The Corridor.”

As someone who drives between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids 4-5 times a week, I’ve noticed a consistent trend: people are already going much faster than 70 mph.

Time to Raise Speed Limits to Appease Most Drivers?

I often set my cruise at 77 mph, yet I still see cars—and even semis—fly past me.

So why are we still capping the speed at 70 mph? I think we should raise it to 75. At 75, drivers who prefer to stick closer to the speed limit can comfortably stay in the right lane.

Read More: 2024 Trick-or-Treat Times in Eastern Iowa

Meanwhile, those who like to go a bit faster (you know, the usual 7 or so over) can use the left lane.

Get our free mobile app

And with that boost in speed, we should pair stronger enforcement to ensure safety.

We're Told Speed Kills...

Like you, when I’m on the road, I see Iowa DOT signs reminding drivers about the number of deaths on our roads.

Yesterday morning, the count was at 288; I assume it will go up by the time today is completed.

After doing some research, it’s clear that most fatalities this year have been due to impaired or distracted driving.

Yes, speed kills, but only when drivers aren't paying attention or driving responsibly.

Raising the limit slightly isn’t about giving people free rein to speed recklessly; it’s about reflecting the reality of how fast people are already driving and enforcing that appropriately.

If you think I’m arguing for a higher speed limit just because “everyone speeds,” that’s not it. I’m in favor of raising the limit to 75 and actually enforcing it.

Let’s put more State Patrol officers on the roads and crack down on those going 85 mph or more. But for those safely going around 75-80, let them do their thing.

A Change is Unlikely

Unfortunately, change probably isn’t coming anytime soon. The highest speed limit in the U.S. is 85 mph, on a freeway just outside of Austin, Texas, but that won’t be a reality in Iowa. Neither will 75 mph, at least not for now.

The Gazette reported that a recent push to raise the limit to 75 stalled last year, with law enforcement citing concerns that people would drive even faster, making the roads more dangerous.

The solution? Enforce the speed limits we have. That way, we could raise them where it makes sense while keeping everyone safe—and maybe even add a little extra revenue for the state along the way.

Drive safe! And, maybe enjoy a Midwestern road trip?