By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is putting the brakes on a plan to let trucker drive 65 miles an hour on rural interstate highways. Right now they have to go 55.
Blagojevich says he'll veto a measure that was sent to him Tuesday to make the change. The plan would not apply to heavily populated areas, like the Metro-East.
The governor vetoed the same idea in July for safety reasons, saying a big truck going 10 mph faster carries 40% more force on impact. But supporters point out that letting all vehicles travel the same speed will reduce accidents on Illinois interstates and improve business for trucking companies by speeding up deliveries.
Despite Blagojevich's opposition, the bill garnered enough votes in both the House and Senate to override a veto.