Speeding to pass vehicle

Those stuck driving behind someone going below the posted limit on a two-lane highway, in many cases, will cross the dashed yellow line and pass the slower vehicle.

The problem is that doing so usually means accelerating beyond the posted speed limit.

Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) wants to give drivers a break.

He sponsors HF464 that would permit a passing driver to exceed the posted speed limit by 10 mph when passing on a two-lane highway in areas where the speed limit is at least 55 mph.

Approved Feb. 25 by the House Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division, the bill heads to the House Transportation Finance and Policy Division.

Rukavina, who has been ticketed for the infraction, said accelerating to pass is taught in driver’s education, even though state law says the speed limit should not be exceeded. “Especially in these trying times financially, I don’t need my constituents, and you don’t need yours, getting a $125 speeding ticket for basically doing what we were taught younger to do for safety reasons.”

State Traffic Engineer Sue Groth fears the bill would encourage aggressive driving, which is contrary to the Transportation Department’s safety program. She said speed is a contributing factor in 28 percent of the state’s fatal crashes, and that about 20 percent of crashes on rural two-lane roads are fatal. “Many of those are due to these passing maneuvers.”

Furthermore, a change could require lengthening no passing zones, which could have a $3 million to $4 million price tag, based on MnDOT crews having to evaluate each of the roughly 10,000 trunk highway no passing zones and possibly restripe roads and relocate traffic signs.

State Patrol Maj. Michele Tuchner expressed concern about enforcement, noting a driver may think they get the extra 10 mph when preparing to pass or after returning to the right lane.

A companion, SF601, sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.