Area residents: Slower is safer on dirt roads

State and county officials say the purpose of what has been coined the “dirt road bill” is safer speeds that are more appropriate for the structure of county roads.

Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, is sponsoring Senate Bill 125, which, if approved, will reduce the default speed limit on unmarked county roads in New Mexico from 75 mph to 55 mph.

Roosevelt County residents Rose Kelly and Margaret Campbell were not aware of the existing maximum limit.

Kelly, who lives down Roosevelt Road H, pointed out the lack of traction that can occur at high speeds on these roads.

“You learn to go slower on dirt roads, because they can be slippery if you have to stop too quickly,” she said. “I didn’t realize they were 75 (mph maximum speed). That is crazy.”

Campbell’s home is located east on Roosevelt Road 4, and she said she believes the bill is necessary.

In a video interview, Woods said the overall goal of the bill is to create “a safer situation for all of the citizens in the state of New Mexico.”

So far, the bill has had consistent support from the committees and state Senate voters with little to no resistance.

Roosevelt County Commissioner Gene Creighton agreed that 75 mph is too high and said he believes the reduction will make a good law. However, he also thinks the safety issue tends to be more dependent on road conditions.

Ken Brown, who lives off of Roosevelt Road S, said he would not mind the change, but feels there are more important issues that deserve attention.

“I have never seen a sheriff or policeman anywhere near a dirt road. If they are going to make a law then there needs to be a way to enforce it; otherwise it is a waste of legislative power,” Brown said.

Rebecca Griffith, who lives directly north of Roosevelt Road 3, agreed that patrolling the county roads more often will be the key to enforcing the law.

The bill is being introduced to the House of Representatives and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, if it passes.