Oregon has made a decision that has made drivers very happy: the speed limit on several highways of the state (including the popular Bend Parkway) has increased from 45 mph to 66 mph. This means that vehicles can go faster making the journeys shorter, without being safe on the road. This measure arrives right before Thanksgiving, which makes drivers very excited when they have to drive to see their families. So, let’s see more about this speed limit change in Oregon.
Why is the speed limit increasing in Oregon?
For decades, Oregon kept speed limits lower than other states because road safety was a priority, mostly after the oil crisis in the 70s when the U.S. had to lower the speed limit to 55 mph to save fuel. Although this national rule was lifted in 1995, Oregon kept a more conservative limit on many roads.
Many drivers felt this limit was very low, considering the roads and vehicles have improved with the passage of time. The 55 mph limit speed change aims to balance safety, efficiency, and drivers’ satisfaction.
Oregon and road safety
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) carefully studies any speed limit change. Before deciding to increase any speed limit, it analyzes how the change will affect other factors such as: fuel consumption, traffic flow, and accident rates.
For years, ODOT will observe how this new limit works. If the results show that safety is not put at risk, the limit could be kept or even considered an additional increment. However, if they see some risks or accidents happening, the limit could go down once again.
This proves that Oregon makes decisions in a responsible way, looking to protect every driver while adapting the rules to modern times of transport.
Reactions of drivers and companies
Drivers are happy about this new measure and many have expressed this feeling on social media. Feeling more free to drive and be able to arrive places faster is something that people appreciate. Even students and families that travel for Thanksgiving have applauded this measure.
Transport and delivery companies also benefit from this change since the speed limit is higher and it allows them to deliver orders faster and more efficiently. However, the higher speed limit doesn’t mean they can drive like crazy, safety is still the main priority.
Safety, speed, and sustainability
Even though the speed limit slightly increases the fuel consumption and emissions, it also improves the traffic flow and makes going from one place to another much more comfortable. To balance these changes, Oregon has implemented safety measures like:
- Road safety awareness campaigns
- Collision alerts
- Advanced vehicle safety technology
- Regular road maintenance
- Speed cameras in key areas
These actions make sure the higher speed limit doesn’t affect users’ safety. The idea is to prove that speed and safety can co-exist if properly planned and tracked.
To sum up
Raising the speed limit to 55 mph in Oregon is more than a simple number change. It represents a balance between safety, efficiency, and driver satisfaction. Oregon has taken a careful and responsible approach, making travel faster without putting people at risk.
This change shows that with planning, study, and technology; traffic rules can adapt to modern needs. Drivers can now enjoy shorter trips, but must continue to drive safely and follow the rules. Oregon demonstrates that speed, safety, and sustainability can go hand in hand in one smart traffic policy.
Do you think this change is going to be helpful for drivers on the road? We’ll see if this will work when the day of Thanksgiving arrives because that’s when most people will use their cars to go see their friends and families.