Georgia lawmakers are weighing a proposal to raise the minimum highway speed from 40 mph to 50 mph on certain state routes. House Bill 809 would apply to highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher, marking a significant change to current traffic regulations.

Channel 2 Action News reported that the Georgia Department of Public Safety supports the measure. Commissioner William W. Hitchens III told bill sponsor Rep. John Carson that slow-moving vehicles create dangerous conditions, causing crashes and traffic backups. The department noted that vehicles traveling below minimum speeds can force dangerous lane changes and evasive maneuvers.

The proposal comes as traffic safety officials seek to reduce accidents caused by speed differentials on multi-lane highways. The Department of Public Safety stated that while minimum speed-related crashes are relatively rare, they tend to result in more severe damage and injuries due to the speed differential between vehicles. The bill represents a shift in Georgia's approach to highway safety and traffic flow management.