How fast can you legally drive on county roads in Kansas?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Speed limits on rural interstate highways outside of city limits are 75 mph, but how fast can you legally drive on county roads where signs aren't posted?

In Kansas, speed limits on all roads, including county and state roadways that are outside of city limits are 55 mph unless posted otherwise, Kansas Department of Transportation Public Affairs Manager Kate Craft said.

Craft says drivers should always use their best judgment, consider the conditions and drive appropriately on all roadways. In Kansas there are almost 100,000 miles of unpaved roads, Craft provided some tips for driving safely on gravel roads from the University of Kansas Transportation Center for Road, Street & Bridge Agencies.

According to the factsheet provided, mixing speed and loose gravel can be a formula for trouble. Surface materials, weather, traffic volume and vehicle weights can quickly change the condition of unpaved roads.

To decrease risk while driving on unpaved roads:

• Slow down
  • Gravel could be loose or hard-packed, drive slow so you know how your vehicle handles before speeding up.
• Be ready for skids
  • If your car starts to skid, take your foot off of the brakes or accelerator. When you release them, look and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go. If your car goes off the edge of the road, don't steer back onto the road, let your foot off the gas and follow the edge of the road. Slowly turn back onto the road.
• Speed up and brake slowly
  • Always drive at a speed that allows you to easily stop for hazards.
• Increase following distance
  • Always give at least six seconds of distance behind other vehicles, when conditions are worse, increase the following distance.
• Intersections
  • Many rural intersections don't have stop signs. Remember the saying: "Don't see? Don't go".

While the maximum speed limit on county and township roads is 55mph, Kansas law states motorists must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent at all times by considering other traffic, road and weather conditions, dangers at intersections and any other conditions that affect safety.

"In other words, drivers are expected to use good judgment in selecting their speed," the Tips for Driving on Gravel Roads factsheet said. "On an unpaved road, that means taking the current condition of the road surface into consideration. The best advice: Slow down."

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