TAMPA, Fla. — Two Florida state bills could increase the maximum speed on some interstates and turnpikes from 70 to 75 mph. Also, for four-lane divided highways in rural areas, the speed limit would go up from 65 to 70 mph.

Florida House Bill 567 and Senate Bill 462 have been proposed, which in part raises the speed limits, but only if the Florida Department of Transportation approves it. FDOT will conduct a study to determine if it’s feasible.

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie is a sponsor of the Senate version of the bill.

“Other states have 75 mph or more on their roads, and I’ll say right off the bat that this doesn’t automatically increase the speed limit. It gives the Florida Department of Transportation the option to look into it. They have to do a study,” DiCeglie said.

The increases could be limited in scope if approved.

“Safety is first priority, so I would anticipate certain roads like 275, I-4, even I-95. There are likely segments of those roads that the department would simply not be willing to raise the speed limit,” DiCeglie said.

Some are not in favor of the possible change, including Jessica Wiggins. Her daughter Paige Howard was killed in a crash in Tampa in early January. Her vehicle was hit by a driver police say was traveling more than 100 mph in a 45-mph zone. She leaves behind for four children.

The suspect, Gary Manist, 67 is charged with one felony count of vehicular homicide. Wiggins said raising the speed limit will only lead to more danger and possibly death.

“It’s going to open more accidents — more problems — more people that think 'Oh, if I go 75 — then I can go 85.'  Just that 5 mph can save someone’s life or take someone’s life,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins and her family are now focused on the wonderful memories they share of Paige – saying that she had a big heart to help others and strived to always be a loving mother.