Driving speed out west

[UGAphin]

In a fast car on a road trip out west, are there alot of speed traps? What are the speed limits? What kind of speed do you average?

Just curious. I like to drive fast. Think NASCAR!

But I'm a good safe prudent driver. When I'm out west, I'm just going to want to go fast...

[Mark Sedenquist]

In a fast car on a road trip out west, are there alot of speed traps? What are the speed limits? What kind of speed do you average?
Just curious. I like to drive fast.

I like to cruise as well. By Federal law the highest speed limits are 75 mph and are usually found on Interstate highways. The operating budgets for many smaller towns in the west are funded, in some measure, by the judicious application of speeding laws. If you speed, you are likely to get caught. If you are really zooming, it is likely that the local sheriff will impound your vehicle on the spot. There are a number of sites that post locations of known speed traps throughout the country. If you really like to zip and have the skill, check out the sites on the RTA Speed Runs page.

Mark

[UGAphin]

Thanks for the heads up.

I don't think I would feel safe doing a 3,000 mile race... I DO feel like I would be safe in cruise control at 120 in Nevada.... Cant you see forever there? I would just slow down whenever I saw a car or anything, for safety. Whats the word on radar detectors?

[packman]

watch out in Nevada. Everytime I've taken US-80 across the state there has been lots of Nevada Troopers on the road. They take it serious too. My dad has gotten multiple tickets..with a radar detector no less. Not sure how much US-50 is patrolled. Also the 2 times I've driven from Vegas to St. George I've seen speed traps. The one good thing is, there system is slow that my dad's last ticket never even came through to effect his insurace.

[Midwest Michael]

I like to cruise as well. By Federal law the highest speed limits are 75 mph and are usually found on Interstate highways.

Are you sure 75 mph is a federal law? I know back in the mid-90's when the 65 mph restrictions were lifted Montana went back to their "reasonable and prudent" system. Montana changed to a 75 mph speed limit around 2000,

Roadtrip trivia: Only 2 states west of the Mississippi (not including AK or HI) still have a 65 mph maximum speed limit on rural freeways. Anyone know which 2?

[UGAphin]

Must be a new law. Anyways, if the speed limits are strictly enforced I will probably be keeping the speed down.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Are you sure 75 mph is a federal law? I know back in the mid-90's when the 65 mph restrictions were lifted Montana went back to their "reasonable and prudent" system. Montana changed to a 75 mph speed limit around 2000,

You are technically correct. There is no "Federal" speed law that affects anything other than federal land. But if the states wish to participate in using Federal highway maintenance dollars, they have to enforce this 75 mph max rule.

Roadtrip trivia: Only 2 states west of the Mississippi (not including AK or HI) still have a 65 mph maximum speed limit on rural freeways. Anyone know which 2?

Hmmm. OK I will take a stab: Oregon and Arizona?

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

Anyways, if the speed limits are strictly enforced I will probably be keeping the speed down.

You can always find areas where the enforcement is lax -- I too, like to push the envelope a bit, from time to time. Be responsible, be safe, drive within your skill-set and you will have no problems.

It is popular these days among some folks to suggest that only roadtrips on two-lane highways are "good." That slowing down is somehow better than zipping along. Both driving styles have their place. Personally I love the interstate system, where it is possible to zip along and enjoy the sensation of speed and still enjoy panaromic views. You can find those places on two-lane roads too -- just be careful and mindful of rural drivers who might be enjoying their right and preference to mosey at 45 mph or so...

And there is a technical reason for driving at the posted speed zone as explained here by Uncle Bob.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I DO feel like I would be safe in cruise control at 120 in Nevada.... Can't you see forever there? I would just slow down whenever I saw a car or anything, for safety.

Driving in the west, in general and in Nevada, in particular is fun -- but there are some hazards and a closing speed of 120 mph with a range cow, snake or tumble weed can be hazardous. Plus, the road surface -- for the most part -- makes travel in excess of 80 mph a bit fool-hardy. Plus there is clear-air wind shear in the desert air and sudden vortex down-drafts that you can not see (at any speed) and it is darn easy to go airborne and into a ravine where no one will see your vehicle for days, or maybe years. So, keep it in the lane and enjoy the ride.

[killer]

Thanks for the heads up.

I don't think I would feel safe doing a 3,000 mile race... I DO feel like I would be safe in cruise control at 120 in Nevada.... Cant you see forever there? I would just slow down whenever I saw a car or anything, for safety. Whats the word on radar detectors?

I "have a friend" who quite often covers 100 miles in an hour on stretches of US50 in Nevada, you have to watch out for cows! It's not heavily patrolled except near the towns, do not speed near the towns, they will be waiting for you, not even 5 over in town. I80 is much more heavily patrolled and worthless anyway in Nevada, nothing to look at almost all the way. Do not speed in Washington State, they are on a real enforcement kick, they even have billboards everywhere emphasizing that speeding is illegal.