Interstate 75 has been under more surveillance by highway patrol since the increase in the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph this past summer.

“We are patrolling, making sure that people are obeying the new law so that we can insure safety,” said Lt. Jerrod Savidge, commander of the Bowling Green Highway Patrol Post. “We were asked to enforce the change in the speed limit and that’s what we are doing.”

Theresa Pollick, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Transportation district two, said the reasoning behind the increase was due to a legislative decision and they are always promoting drivers safety on roadways.

During the summer, ODOT created 317 new highway signs, spending a total of $8,287.19 on the updated speed limit increase on I-75, 70, 71, 76, 77 and 90, according to ODOT’s press release.

During the past 30 days alone, there have been 23 reported accidents on I-75 near Bowling Green, said Savidge.

Freshman Allison Palmer is nervous about the increased speed limit.

“I use I-75 for most trips I make,” Palmer said. “It is my route to go home and explore BG in general, so I am a bit nervous that people will become more reckless and try to disrupt the traffic flow, especially during the winter months.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also aware that the weather may affect drivers more than usual this year.

“It all would depend on the weather,” said Savidge. “It is obviously going to make somewhat of a difference because people will need more time to slow down.”

Other students may not notice the increase, having already sped before it was updated.

“I drive between 70 to 75 mph whenever I get on I-75,” said senior Alex Hetterich. “I don’t see this changing the way people have been driving.”

Despite this change in speed limit, officials are confident that if drivers follow the rules, safety will prevail on roadways.

“On the interstate, the number one things students should do is pay attention to the roads and following distance and they should be fine,” Savidge said.