Interstate 45 will soon see an increase in speed as a result of the approved House Bill 1353 by the Texas Transportation Commission in January. The bill designates portions of the highway to establish new 75 mph speed limits.
The Texas Department of Transportation assures motorists that this can be done safely, but cautious drivers such as English teacher Stephanie Turlich considers the increase in speed a negative choice for this interstate.
“I don’t like it at all,” she said. “With so many lanes and so many cars already, it’s frightening to think that so many people will be allowed to go even faster.”
TxDOT said it based reason for this change on Texas’ economic strength, which relies on the efficient and safe movement of people and goods. A spokesperson for TxDOT trusts that increasing speeds on the highway will make effective use of the interstate for Houstonians. Senior Luis Gonzalez said he believes that this change will be beneficent for motorists.
“I think this is okay,” he said. “People speed on the freeway all the time so having it moved up is no big deal. Drivers will just have to be more cautious of their surroundings.”
This increase in speed will be a shot at increasing highway efficiency while still maintaining safety of the transportation system. Junior Erica Worzel, whose parents own local A-Plus Driving School admits to having uneasy feelings because of the upcoming change in speed.
“I am not sure this is safe or necessary considering the already crazy driving that happens on I-45,” she said. “I believe this new slack could cause drivers to possibly drive 85 miles an hour or even above.”
The changes will go into effect gradually. Junior Jenny Porea, who drives on the interstate often, fails to see the problem with the speed increase.
“I think this is good because it will make getting to places more efficient and faster,” she said.
A chunk of the interstate between Houston and Dallas is upping its speed, which can shave 10 minutes off the drive to San Antonio. This change has its pros and cons and Turlich admits to seeing both sides, despite being against the increase in speed.
“If the traffic is light it might be beneficial to get to your destination a little quicker,” Turlich said. “But in my opinion, I would rather take a few more minutes to get there than race on the highway to keep up with the flow.”
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety did not neglect to point out their fear of death and injury rates increasing along with the higher speeds, commenting that drivers will be able to reach destinations quicker but will be driving on less safe roads.