The Need for Speed - FOX 25/48 - WLAX/WEUX La Crosse & Eau Claire News

The first drivers are now putting the pedal to the metal on the highway with America's highest speed limit.

Wednesday morning was the grand opening of the 40-mile stretch of Highway-130 between Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The highway speed limit is 85 miles per hour.

It cost nearly $1.5 billion dollars, and gives drivers the option of paying a toll to bypass a congestion-laden interstate nearby.

We talked to drivers and the Wisconsin State Patrol about the prospect of an 85 mile per hour zone closer to home.

On the road the folks we heard from say they don't want an 85-mile-per-hour zone.

"85 miles per hour is just too high. I love 75 miles per hour, I remember back in the day when it was 75." said Wisconsin driver Katherine Pinnow.

"It's just not safe, already we have too many accidents on the interstate and highways," said truck driver Paul Lankey.

"I think it's too fast, and I think it encourages people to go faster," said Wisconsin driver Tia Kerhr.

But some speed demons would like to see the change in Wisconsin as well.

"85 miles per hour if conditions and terrain are right then it's okay," said Wisconsin driver Joshua Harazin.

Wisconsin State Trooper Jake Edwards says the thought of an 85 mile an hour speed limit sends shivers down his spine.

"When I hear about the speed limit being brought up to 85 miles an hour I am concerned not only for the safety of drivers, but for the safety of officers and other troopers as well," said Edwards.

In Wisconsin speed is the second leading cause of motor vehicle related fatalities. Motor related fatalities caused by alcohol is number one.

With the increase of speed statistics show that a cars breaking distance doubles.

"At 80 miles an hour you travel 88 feet before you even touch the brake," said Edwards.

Edwards says that even good drivers at that speed can't react fast enough to unexpected obstacles. For that reason Wisconsin will likely never see the speed limit as high as 85.

"There are lots of variables that can't be controlled: road debris, animals, or vehicles suddenly stopping or becoming disabled," said Edwards.

Edwards did mention that with an 85 mile hour speed limit vehicles are still likely to speed, making it a possibility that people will be driving at speeds around 95 to 100 miles per hour.