We all know the feeling: you're about to exit I-81 onto 460 heading back to Tech, when suddenly you are forced to slam immediately on your brakes thanks to 460's long-time posted 55 mph speed limit.
As a result of Virginia Senate Bill 408, this is no longer the case. Motorists are now obliged to travel at 65 mph, a very welcome change to such a highly traveled stretch of road.
It seems as though VDOT got it right this time. Considering most people entering Blacksburg use 460 after exiting I-81 going at or over 65 mph in the first place, it only seems logical to allow motorists to continue at the same rate just after they exit the interstate.
Anyone who has been pulled over on 460 can also be thankful for this legislation. Whether you're traveling from northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, or out of state, chances are 460 had been one of the easier points to drop your lead foot down on the pedal. With the newly revised law, nearly everyone driving on this stretch will benefit from a decreased chance of hearing those ever-elusive police sirens.
One can only hope the increased speed limit will also help traffic flow just a bit faster come Aug. 25, when fall classes begin. Congestion is always a problem during the first weeks back to campus. While it's not a complete solution, at least a 10 mph increase will help more Hokies get back to Blacksburg in a faster manner.
There is, of course, bound to be some concern for the speed limit increase. Some may worry that if drivers are given a limit of 65mph, they will surely drive close to 70 mph or 75 mph instead.
Some may claim that driving 55 mph is better for fuel economy - and they're probably right. That said, it doesn't make sense to have a 10 mph drop between two major motorways. The stretch of 460 that has had its limit increased to 65 mph is lightly populated and suited for high-speed travel.
The passage of bill 408 should help increase safety along the corridor. Police will be able to spend less time enforcing an archiac limit and more time on bigger issues.
Drivers must, of course, remember to be aware of their surroundings and drive responsibly, but the passage of Bill 408 pulls this well-traveled highway into the 21st century.
The editorial board is composed of David Harries and Susanna Finger