Pa. lawmaker wants maximum speed raised to 70

As a Pennsylvania resident, I wasn't aware there was a pressing need to raise the state's maximum speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph, but Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is pushing a bill to do just that.

In reality, most Pennsylvania drivers do at least 70 mph on most of the state's highways, so I'm not sure what the harm would be to raising the speed limit.

Also keep in mind that Scarnati represents one of the most rural legislative districts in Pennsylvania, one that has few police officers patrolling interstate highways, so I'm sure people are already doing a lot more than 70 mph.

On the other hand, is this really the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania residents or is this another legislator looking for something to keep himself busy with instead of tackling real issues?

Scarnati issued the following statement regarding his proposal to increase the maximum speed limit on Pennsylvania interstate highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike: 

Today I have circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation I intend to introduce which would increase the maximum speed limit on Pennsylvania interstate highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike from 65 to 70 miles per hour. 

Increasing Pennsylvania’s maximum speed limit on interstate highways and the PA Turnpike will allow for better traffic flow and provide for greater efficiency in the delivery of goods throughout the Commonwealth.  Numerous other states have already taken the step to allow for traveling at a maximum speed of 70 MPH or more. 

Over the last two decades since Pennsylvania’s maximum speed limit was last set, our vehicles have become more technically efficient and safety standards have continued to increase.  As we move forward with this measure a significant component of the legislation will focus on ensuring necessary traffic and engineering studies are completed prior to increasing the speed limit on any stretch of highway.