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(MLive file photo)

Once thought to be dead, the corpse has winked.

Last minute efforts last year to pass a new 80 mph freeway speed limit bill died on the vine, but lo and behold, here they go again.

Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford) is at the head of the line complaining about all those "slower drivers causing more accidents" compared to motorists with a lead foot.

Now before all you "lead-footers" out there get too excited, if this measure passes, it's likely your favorite freeway will not see the 70 mph signs replaced with one with a big 8-0.

"My guess is it's going to be on more rural and outstate freeways," the good representative suggests. Of course the final list will be nailed down by the Michigan State Police, who will sift the traffic data to find the speed that 85 percent of the drivers use.

Mr. Jacobsen suggests perhaps the stretch between Lansing and Flint along I-69 might be on the list, along with US 131 near Cadillac and maybe a patch of I-75 near Bay City and Saginaw.

On the I-696 Michigan version of the German Autobahn and similar urban roadways, forget it.

Now everybody knows the state cops are now "giving us" an extra 10 miles an hour over the posted 70 mph. Go ahead and set the cruise at 80 and see if they pull you over.

So some will argue if you bump the speed to 80, lots of folks will tack on an extra five or 10 miles and hour and pretty soon, drivers are whizzing by at 90 mph.

Whatever happened to the notion that was drummed into our heads growing up, "Speed Kills?" Mr. Jacobsen says the data does not support the fear.

The highway engineers will tell you modern day freeways can handle higher speeds but some will still counter, "Yeah the roads can handle it, but what about the nuts behind the wheel?"

Either way, fasten your safety belts as this will be a dandy of a Legislative debate once they return from spring break.

Watch "Off the Record with Tim Skubick" online anytime at video.wkar.org