Missouri drivers can expect higher speed limits on rural interstates and freeways this fall. In May of this year, Senate Bill 1408 passed and was signed into law by the governor in July. The bill allowed the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph. The bill took effect in August of this year, but MoDOT waited to implement it until after safety evaluations of each interstate were done.
After the evaluations, MoDOT selected portions of I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-55 for the new 75 mph speed limit. MoDOT began updating posted signs at the start of this fall. The increased speed limit means faster travel times for drivers, but what does it mean for their safety?
Details About the Speed Limit Increase
The speed limit increase was introduced to match the speed limits of bordering states, reduce travel times, and decrease traffic. In a statement released by MoDOT, they emphasized that safety was a top priority even with a higher speed limit. To address safety concerns, MoDOT evaluated each interstate and considered various factors to determine if an interstate was eligible for the increased speed limit. The following factors were taken into consideration during observation:
- Current traffic volumes
- Semi-truck traffic volumes
- Crash history
- Terrain
- Road design
- Existing speed limits of border states in areas near the state line
- Active construction
The bill only permitted the rural segments of eligible interstates to receive the 75 mph increase. After MoDOT completed its inspections, the following interstate segments were selected:
- About 64 miles of I-29 from Exit 56 to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border.
- A total of 55 miles on I-35 from northern Cameron City to approximately 4 miles south of the Iowa border.
- Approximately 24 miles from the Arkansas border to Exit 24 and around 45 miles from Exit 56 to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada on I-49.
I-55 had multiple segments eligible for the 75 mph speed limit. MoDOT will be updating the posted signs along the following sections:
- A total of 17 miles from the Arkansas border to mile marker 16.6 just south of the I-155 interchange.
- Around 45 miles from mile marker 19.8 just north of the MO 84 interchange to mile marker 64.9 at the Rte. AA bridge.
- Approximately 16 miles from mile marker 70.5, just north of the Rte. HH interchange, to mile marker 86.6 just south of the Rte. PP interchange.
- Around 59 miles from mile marker 106.4 just north of Exit 105 to mile marker 164.9 at the Jefferson County line.
Although the new speed limit has been implemented, drivers are expected to abide by the 70 mph speed limit until the posted signs are updated. Another safety measure MoDOT stated they will be taking is monitoring crash data and adjusting the speed limit if it is necessary.
Speed-Related Traffic Crashes and What That Means for Missouri
Should Missouri drivers expect to see more speed-related accidents with the new speed limit? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collects and analyzes data on traffic crashes. Their most recent report covered traffic trends throughout the country in 2024. Their findings revealed that there were 11,288 fatalities and 316,757 injuries from traffic crashes related to speeding nationwide. The Missouri traffic data attributed 33% of crash fatalities to speed-related accidents. Missouri sits at 5% higher than the national average, which is 28%. The 5 mph increase in the speed limit has the potential to push Missouri even higher past the national average. A long-term study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that a 5 mph increase in speed limits was associated with an 8% increase in fatality rates on interstates and freeways.
The possible increase in speed-related accidents also includes wrecks that involve semi-trucks and other commercial motor vehicles. According to the MoDOT truck guide, truck drivers follow the posted speed limit and do not have a separate one. Semi-trucks traveling at faster speeds are inherently dangerous. Due to the size and mechanics of large trucks, they require more time and distance to slow down and come to a stop. Subsequently, when they travel at higher speeds, that time and distance needed to stop also increases. Furthermore, faster speeds also reduce the amount of time drivers have to react to other drivers, changes in traffic, and sudden changes in road conditions. Consequently, this contributes to more frequent and severe accidents. Missouri data from NHTSA revealed there were 31 crashes involving a semi-truck and speeding in 2024. For comparison, there were 24 in 2023; that is a 29% increase. Looking forward, the speed limit increase could be another contributing factor to the rise in speeding-related semi-truck accidents in Missouri. Whether you examine passenger cars or semi-trucks, the data suggests that higher speeds can lead to more frequent and catastrophic wrecks.
Drivers in rural areas also face an increased risk of being involved in a speed-related accident with higher speed limits. Nationally, there were 14,442 fatal traffic crashes in rural areas, resulting in 16,006 traffic fatalities in 2024. Missouri drivers in rural areas, where the increase is set to take place, face greater risk than other drivers in the state. Missouri data from NHTSA revealed there were 50 fatal crashes on rural interstates. The data showed that there were 21 fatal speed-related accidents on rural interstates. NHTSA data also indicated there were seven fatal speeding-related semi-truck accidents on rural interstates. Data from the NHTSA and IIHS both suggest higher speed limits could result in more accidents involving both passenger vehicles and semi-trucks along the selected interstate segments. This holds true regardless of whether the interstate is in a rural or urban area.
MoDOT and the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Jamie Burger, highlighted safety as a priority as the speed limit is raised. The research conducted by NHTSA and IIHS showcases the possible dangers that Missouri drivers could face with higher speed limits—even in rural areas where accidents appear relatively low.
How Can Missouri Drivers Remain Safe in 75 mph Zones?
With the possible dangers Missouri drivers now face, it is important for safe driving to be everyone’s top concern. Remaining safe on the interstate starts with driving at a safe speed. Even if you are going the speed limit, ensure you are mindful of adverse weather, construction, and lighting. All these factors affect road conditions and could make the speed limit too fast for those conditions.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of others’ driving habits. The NHTSA reported that 23% of fatal crashes involved drivers with previously recorded speeding convictions. Their report also noted that 17% of large truck drivers had previous speeding tickets. Another driver’s bad habits could be the reason someone experiences a serious injury or wrongful death from a wreck.
Along with the previous points, drivers should be aware of all the consequences of speeding. Drivers often view the speed limit as only a law they are required to follow, and don’t consider the other effects speeding could have. The following consequences of speeding tend to go overlooked:
- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
- Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
- Increased crash severity, leading to more serious injuries
- Economic implications of a speed-related crash
- Increased fuel consumption/cost.
Additionally, the culture around speeding contributes to the way drivers perceive speeding. Most drivers view going 10 mph over the speed limit as acceptable. This could potentially result in Missouri drivers going up to 85 mph on rural interstates. Not only is that an unsafe speed to be traveling at, but Missouri interstates were also not built to support traffic speeds that high.
Lastly, there are tools to help drivers assess the risk of their current route. Craig, Kelley and Faultless designed the Semi Crash Map to record and collect data from truck wrecks in near real time. Other reporting tools tend to be two years behind due to the backlog of police reports. With our Semi Crash Map, Missouri drivers can monitor truck wrecks along rural interstates and determine the safest route for their drive. They are also able to see the news report associated with each wreck and identify possible trends in accidents. This enables them to be privy to common habits of drivers on I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-55. For example, data pulled from our Semi Crash Map revealed there were a total of 14 truck accidents along the eligible interstates this year alone. With the higher speed limits, it is imperative that drivers are aware of the possible dangers and how best to prepare for those dangers in order to keep roads safe.
Injured After a Truck Wreck? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Is Ready to Help
Craig, Kelley & Faultless is a personal injury law firm handling semi and other truck accident cases in St. Louis, Missouri, and throughout the nation. The firm has lawyers licensed in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. These experienced lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping victims and their loved ones involved in commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case. The firm also has a rapid response team that works with investigators, reconstructionist and mechanics who immediately collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired.
Our Missouri attorney Christopher M. Barry was included in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, reflecting his professional reputation and results. He is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA), the premier truck personal injury lawyer’s group. Chris believes that the civil justice system, particularly the right to a jury trial, plays a critical role in holding negligent parties accountable. He represents injured individuals exclusively and is committed to helping clients navigate difficult circumstances with clear guidance, responsiveness, and strong advocacy. He is also licensed in Illinois and Indiana.
The Craig, Kelley & Faultless St. Louis office is located at 5585 Pershing Ave Suite 110, St. Louis, MO 63112, available by appointment only. Reach out for a free case consultation at (314) 367-2661or visit https://www.ckflaw.com/st-louis/.
David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless sit on the Board of Regents of the ATAA, which requires Board Certification in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. David is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc. David is licensed to practice law in Indiana and has been admitted to handle trucking cases pro hac vice in many states, including Missouri
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