Advocates has urged members of the House Transportation Committee in the Iowa Legislature to oppose Senate File (SF) 378. This legislation would increase the default speed limit five miles per hour (mph) to 60 mph, unless otherwise provided for, endangering state residents and visitors.
In 2024, an estimated 358 people were killed in traffic crashes in Iowa, a 12 percent increase since 2015. Speeding is a major factor leading to traffic fatalities, contributing to 23 percent of traffic fatalities in the state in 2023. Moreover, speeding related fatalities in Iowa increased 93 percent from 2014 to 2023. Excess speed contributes to both the frequency and severity of motor vehicle crashes and proves especially dangerous for vulnerable road users such as motorcycle riders, work zone workers and roadside first responders who lack the protective structure of a vehicle. The data shows Iowa needs less speeding, not more people traveling at high speeds.
Read the full letter here.