Sitting on Gov. Sam Brownback’s desk is a bill that, among other things, would allow higher speed limits on divided multi-lane highways in Kansas.

Proponents say the measure is designed to draw truck traffic from highways in other states — notably Interstate 80 in Nebraska — and, therefore, is a plus for Kansas economic development. That makes some sense.

If the governor signs the bill, the Kansas secretary of transportation still must initiate raising speed limits from 70 to 75 mph on specific roads. It’s fortunate that, instead of making a blanket change, the secretary and her staff will evaluate whether 75 mph truly makes sense on all of the eligible highways.

“The inclination would be to increase the rural sections of interstate,” said Steve Swartz, spokesman for KDOT.

As anyone who’s ever driven an interstate highway west of Salina can attest: Making better time would be a plus. A real plus.

So while the legislation to increase speeds on these roads will drive up gasoline consumption and cost the state some money to change highway signs — up to $24,750, according to testimony — it makes sense for the governor to approve the bill.

However, if the governor does sign the bill, KDOT should take an especially hard look at highways in urban areas. One nearby road — the portion of Kansas Highway 10 between Lawrence and Kansas City — would be a poor choice for a higher speed limit. Already, many motorists are traveling far faster than 75 mph on K-10. It only makes sense that increasing the speed limit would translate into an increase in the accident rate.

KDOT’s Swartz says that during the evaluation, the agency will look at the history of crashes, as well as whether eligible roads are hilly or curvy.

And while it’s pretty much a straight shot down K-10 and it has controlled access, it makes absolutely no sense to feed the need for speed on an already hazardous highway.