RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Almost every driver has an opinion on raising speed limits. In Virginia, the current maximum speed limit is 70 mph, less than a state like Utah where it is 80 mph, or parts of Texas where the speed limit is 85 mph.
Some drivers have greater concerns though about lower limits, like 55 mph on major roads or in construction zones.
On WTOP radio Wednesday, a caller from Northern Virginia named Michael asked Governor Terry McAuliffe if he would be interested in increasing speed limits, particularly in major construction zones, where drivers often disobey limits, creating dangerous conditions for those who actually follow the law.
Governor McAuliffe did not rule it out.
"First time I have been asked that question," McAuliffe said. "Obviously I will go back and take a look at it, talk with my Secretary of Transportation and the appropriate folks about it and look into it."
"We are going to do whatever it is to make sure folks on our roads can drive safely and keep our families safe," he added.
AAA Mid Atlantic spokesman Martha Meade praised the Governor's decision to look into the controversial issue, but cautioned making any decision without conducting engineering studies.
"We would always defer always to the engineering studies for the appropriate, safe and enforceable speed for any set of roadways," Meade said.
