April 21, 2024

Oklahoma's new 80 mph limit worries truckers over safety risks

Steve Smith

Oklahoma's new 80 mph limit worries truckers over safety risks

A new speed limit change in Oklahoma is causing concern among truck drivers. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has raised the speed limit to 80 mph on a 59-mile stretch of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike.

The details: This increase applies to the section between Chickasha and Lawton, put into effect on April 18. However, the speed limit will remain at 75 mph from Lawton to the Texas state line.

Trucker concerns: Truckers are worried about safety due to the speed differential, as some trucks are governed at much lower speeds, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Comments from truckers highlight the potential for "good wrecks" and the need for "mega carriers" to adjust their governed speeds to reduce risks.

The move has been met with mixed reactions, with approval from many motorists but hesitation from the trucking community.

It's worth noting that this is not the first speed limit increase on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike; another portion was previously raised to 80 mph in summer 2020.

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