State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, is pictured during a state House of Representatives Republican Policy Committee meeting.

Dirt roads are a way of life here in Warren County – and the region’s state senator thinks that way of life should move a little bit slower.

Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, is drafting legislation that would reduce the speed limit on dirt and gravel roads from 55 miles an hour to 35 miles an hour.

“Driving at high speeds on dirt and gravel roads can lead to a variety of problems,” Hutchinson wrote in his co-sponsorship memorandum. “First, safety is a major concern, as vehicles can kick up rocks and small debris that may damage following vehicles. Additionally, driving at high speeds increases dust production, requiring more frequent road maintenance. With this legislation, we can reduce damage caused to vehicles and aid in dust suppression and road stabilization efforts.”

Many states leave it up to local jurisdictions to set speed limits on dirt and gravel roads. Wyoming’s state House of Representatives earlier this year recently approved a measure to give county governments leeway in setting speed limits on unpaved roads without a traffic study. Counties can already set speed limits but a traffic study is required. Counties would only be able to decrease the speed limit from 55 miles an hour to 45 miles an hour. Additional limits could be set for tractor-trailer traffic. That bill is being discussed by the Wyoming state Senate.

In Virginia, non-paved roads have a default maximum speed limit of 35 mph, though the state commissioner of highways or other authorities can adjust that limit as long as a sign is posted to notify drivers the speed limit is not the default 35 miles an hour.

Many other states simply set the speed limit on dirt or gravel roads at 55 miles an hour.