The Source for Trucking News, Opinions and Trucking Jobs | Split Speeds Suck

Just finished going through Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Three states that have different speed limits for trucks than cars. Why someone thinks that making only trucks go 10 to 15 mph slower than the rest of the traffic is a safe solution escapes me.

Michigan car speed limit is 70, truck speed limit is 55. Trucks can still use the passing lane to pass (for now!) But imagine going 70 or 75 and seeing a big truck pull out in front of you going 60 passing another truck going 55.

It’s probably not right, but I get a little obstinate when I drive in a split speed limit state. When cars are trying to merge, I may not make such a big effort to move out of the way. For one thing, most of the time a car is going 70 in the fast lane and cutting in front of him would be more dangerous than making a merging car yield (like they’re supposed to). And after I pass a truck, I may not move back over to the right lane as fast as I usually do. I want a big sign on the back of my trailer that says – “IF YOU WANT ME TO MOVE FASTER, CALL YOUR GOVERNOR!”

Personally I think the solution would be to slow the cars down to 55 too. Now that would raise some revenue! Realistically, I can usually get away with keeping it under 65 in a 55 state. I’ve gone right by troopers that were shooting radar going 63 and haven’t been bothered. But there is still a lot of difference between a truck going 63 and a car going more than 70. It’s just not safe for anyone.

Originally posted 2008-05-24 20:35:33.