Speeding up: Semi trucks in Idaho can travel at 80 miles per hour starting July 1
David Pace
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A new law allowing semi trucks to travel the freeway at 80 miles per hour goes into effect in Idaho on July 1.
“It is Idaho Transportation Department’s plan to take down 70 miles per hour truck speed limit signs along I-15 to the Montana border on July 1,” Idaho Transportation Department spokeswoman Sky Buffat said. “We will continue to gather and monitor traffic and speed data moving forward.”
The change is driving a wide range of responses from employers and drivers in the trucking industry.
Doug Andrus Distributing is one of the region’s largest trucking companies, employing 250 drivers who travel 30 million miles a year across the United States.
Doug Andrus Chief Financial Officer Jason Andrus said their drivers’ top speed will remain unchanged at 67 miles per hour despite the new limit.
“When we talk about fuel economy, that change in speed from 67 mph to to 80 mph would hurt our fuel economy at 1.3 miles per gallon and cost our company about $3.6 million,” Andrus said. “So we have a big reason to operate efficiently and at those lower speeds.”
But some drivers are on board with the changes.
“I think it’s a great idea because the the faster we go in, the more miles we can cover because we get paid by the miles so they can cover more miles that way,” over-the-road truck driver Michael Roy said at Love’s Truck Stop Wednesday.
Garrett Hinshaw, another driver, pointed out the heightened danger of vehicles traveling at different velocities.
“Anytime you have a difference, especially of ten miles per hour between traveling traffic and commercial trucks, it ups the stakes of something going drastically wrong,” Hinshaw said. “We’re also seeing that there’s an uptick in collisions and distracted driving.”
Andrus said that lower truck speeds enhance safety for everyone on the road.
“If we’re in an accident, it’s going to be less damaging if we’re at a lower speed,” Andrus said. “Slower speeds give our drivers more time to react, more time to brake. So all of those are good reasons for us to keep operating on the speeds that we do.”
Buffat said the increased truck speed limit was driven by the Idaho Legislature.
“After our Legislature hears and passes new laws and direction, that’s what we follow,” she said. “ITD will always prioritize safety and monitor to make future changes if needed.”
