Some Missouri highways could see speed limits bumped up, some say it could increase fatal crashes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some rural highways and interstates will go from 70 miles per hour to 75 mph as soon as Aug. 28, after Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a bill into law Monday.

However, some driver safety organizations say this could lead to more traffic crashes.

"Unfortunately, increasing the speed limit even just five miles an hour, that could have a negative effect on our roadway fatalities," AAA spokesperson Nick Chabbaria said.

According to a crash data report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 39% of 991 fatal crashes in 2023 involved speeding. Missouri Driver and Safety Education Association President Simon Anderson echoed AAA's statement.

"Higher speeds could save drivers minutes a few minutes on a trip, but the research consistently shows that it's going to come at a cost of lives," Anderson said.

ABC 17 News has reached out to the Missouri Department of Transportation for an update on which highways and interstates could see a speed limit change.

State Rep. John Voss (R- Cape Girardeau) had told ABC 17 News on May 1 that areas with populations fewer than 50,000 could be affected.