Date: Fri 01-May-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

state-speed-limit

Full Text:

Senate Approved Speed Limit Increase On Some Highways

By Evan Berland

Associated Press

HARTFORD -- Connecticut lawmakers are on the road to increasing the state's

speed limit, and the perennial move has its best shot at becoming law this

year.

State senators voted 24-10 Tuesday to allow state traffic officials to

increase the speed limit to 65 mph on multi-lane highways that have on- and

off-ramps.

Connecticut and Hawaii are the only states with 55 mph as their highest speed

limits.

The measure now heads to the House, where a similar bill passed last year. Gov

John G. Rowland, who opposed a speed-limit increase last year, has said he now

would sign such a measure.

Supporters said many people drive faster than 55 mph, and that roads were

designed for speeds of more than 70 mph. They said the low speed limit was

enacted in the 1970s out of concern for gasoline shortages, not safety, and

said cars have become safer.

"I truly feel in my heart the time has come," said Sen Biaggio Ciotto, a

Wethersfield Democrat and co-chairman of the Legislature's Transportation

Committee.

Proponents also said that with increased speed limits should come increased

enforcement by state police.

"It will also reaffirm respect for the laws that we have in our state -- that

it's not a big game," said Sen John Kissel, R-Enfield.

But opponents said the answer to people breaking the law is not to change it

-- but rather to enforce current limits. Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin

Sullivan likened the move to legalizing drugs because people are taking them.

He said Connecticut should not feel compelled to raise the limit simply

because other states already have. He quoted his mother's warning against peer

pressure.

"If your friend jumped off a cliff, would you jump off a cliff?" said Sen

Sullivan, D-West Hartford.

Sen William Nickerson, R-Greenwich, said some states that have raised speed

limits are seeing an increase in fatalities and injuries. His 160-mile daily

commute to and from the Capitol has taught him something about crashes, he

said.

"All you need to see is one body taken out of one vehicle on one interstate

highway and you never forget it," Nickerson said.

Sen Thomas Upson, a Waterbury Republican who has proposed speed-limit

increases for 12 years, said he plans to stay on top of traffic officials to

make sure they act swiftly.

"That's what the public expects when we pass this today," he said.

Rep Jacqueline Cocco, a Bridgeport Democrat and co-chairwoman of the

Transportation Committee, said she opposes the bill and will speak against it

in the House. But, she said, its chances look good given last year's support.

"I unfortunately expect it to pass," she said.