An Illinois Senate panel has given a thumbs up to legislation raising the speed limit to 70 miles per hour in Illinois.  

The bill is sponsored by Senator Dale Risinger of Peoria…who says the increased speed limit would only be in effect on rural interstate highways. it would apply to large trucks…which only recently got the okay to travel at 65 miles per hour. risinger doesn't think the faster speed cause a safety hazard. "33 states have 70 m.p.h. or greater on their highways, and those that have raised their speed limits have shown their accidents rates haven't increased."

The higher speed limit would not apply to Cook, Dupage, Kane, Lake, Mchenry and Will counties in the Chicago area.  The measure now moves to the Senate floor for a vote.