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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two dead, one critically injured in head-on crash on Highway 199 ... 'Sorry About That' book expands ... Fallen tree debris at Howard Prairie is being used to create habitat for infant wild coho ... Two dead, one critically injured in head-on crash on Highway 199 ... 'Sorry About That' book expands ... Fallen tree debris at Howard Prairie is being used to create habitat for infant wild coho ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: 'Basic speed rule' applies to rural roads without speed limits Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News I am traveling North Phoenix Road at least once a day, sometimes twice. Some people do not realize when the sign says "End of speed zone," they can travel 55 mph until the next sign says 45 mph. Can the state put up signs that read 55 mph? It would help the traffic flow. — Vernon C. Sorry, Vernon, but putting up 55 mph speed limit signs isn't going to happen. That's because that's not actually the speed limit for stretches such as the one you mentioned. Not all the time, anyway. Particular sections including that one are covered under Oregon's "basic speed rule" statute, specifically 811.100. Under that law, drivers cannot exceed speeds "greater than is reasonable and prudent." That vague-sounding statement is based on weather, road conditions, visibility, the number of intersections, and a host of other factors. Rural roads typically don't exceed that 55 mph threshold for basic rule, but that doesn't mean it's the absolute speed at all times. "If you're on a facility not covered by a statutory speed limit or on a road that's covered by a speed zone, then it's covered by basic rule," says John Vial, director for Jackson County Roads & Parks. So yeah, if it's sunny and bright out, if you've got no ice on the roads and there isn't an intersection for miles, 55 mph seems pretty reasonable and prudent. But it's going to change depending on quite a few variables, so be prepared. — Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501