Springfield, IL - The Illinois State Senate overrode a veto by the Governor on legislation previously passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation co-sponsored by Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford) sets a uniform speed limit of 65mph for cars and trucks on rural interstate highways in Illinois.

"A uniform speed limit for rural highways is a way to combat the large number of accidents between cars and the slower moving trucks," said Senator Frerichs. "This legislation looks out for the safety of Illinois drivers and to prevent unnecessary accidents."

Senate Bill 540 places Illinois with 42 other states that already have adopted a uniform speed limit. The 65mph speed limit is only applicable to rural area interstate highways, not metropolitan areas where the speed limit will remain 55 mph.

Research conducted for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that in states which have the uniform speed limit, there was no increase in the accident rate. Another study by AAA stated that imposing separate speed limits for cars and trucks creates a potential for an increase in accidents due to increased lane changes and a disproportionate number of rear-end accidents.

Don Schaefer, Executive Vice-President of the Mid-West Truckers Association said, "This legislation helps solve major safety issues on rural interstate highways. Having a uniform speed limit will reduce potential road hazards currently resulting from having two speed limits."

The states surrounding Illinois that have a uniform speed limit of 65mph or higher include Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for a veto override vote.