Ease off the pedal: The vision of semi trucks headed down Idaho freeways at 75 mph proved too much for the state Senate Transportation Committee. On a 5-4 vote, it refused to recommend a bill to boost the speed limit for the large haulers from 65 mph.

Not a loss: Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d’Alene, who proposed the bill, said it was important to have the discussion.

Truckers divided: They couldn’t agree on the proposal. Some independents favored the higher limit, saying it would reduce hair- raising interactions between trucks and cars. But many trucking companies don’t want their trucks to go over 65 for both safety and fuel-conservation reasons.

Law enforcement liked it: Idaho State Police said more-even speeds among vehicles on interstates would make driving safer. National studies are mixed.

Bill Roberts: 377-6408