Revise the transporation commission's authority to set speed limits
Impact
The passage of SB 452 is intended to improve overall traffic safety by ensuring that speed limits reflect current road conditions and safety data. This amendment to the existing law promotes a proactive approach to road safety, allowing for restrictions that might be necessary due to factors like weather or roadwork, which could otherwise lead to dangerous driving conditions. Local authorities also gain the ability to request tailored speed limits based on their assessments, fostering a more community-responsive regulation of road safety.
Summary
Senate Bill 452 revises the authority of the Montana Transportation Commission to establish and adjust speed limits on state highways. The bill allows the commission to reassess previously set speed limits based on engineering and traffic investigations, enabling dynamic adjustments to be made in response to safety considerations at specific locations. This includes providing for temporary special reduced or increased speed limits in response to emergencies or hazardous conditions. The authority to set these limits would extend to various considerations, including school zones, identified danger zones, or areas with heightened crash frequency.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 452 appears to be largely positive, especially among proponents who advocate for adaptable traffic management and enhanced public safety measures. The bill received substantial support during the voting process, with a significant majority voting in favor during its third reading. However, some dissenting opinions may have stemmed from concerns about local control over speed limit settings, with questions surrounding the balance of power between state authority and local governance.
Contention
While SB 452 is primarily focused on improving traffic safety through adaptive speed limits, it does spark discussion regarding the delegation of authority. Critics may worry about the potential for overly centralized control, which could override local decision-making capabilities and specific needs within communities. Such contention highlights the ongoing dialogue about the best approach to transportation regulations and the role of local authorities versus state governance in effectively managing road safety.
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.