One small piece of Gov. Bob McDonnell's legislative program is advancing through the General Assembly -- one that will appeal to motorists in a hurry.

A bill introduced by Del. Bill Carrico, R-Grayson County, to raise the speed limit on interstate highways from 65 mph to 70 mph gained approval Wednesday in a House subcommittee, 4-2, and now advances to the full House Transportation Committee.

Carrico, a former state trooper, introduced the bill at the governor's request.

The subcommittee heard opposition to the measure from the insurance industry and the Sierra Club. Opponents said the bill would make the roads less safe, increase fuel consumption and require new spending for signs and associated road improvements.

A 5 mph increase in a vehicle's speed in a collision results in an exponential increase in the kinetic energy released, warned Chris LaGow, an insurance lobbyist.

Carrico's legislation authorizes a statewide 70 mph limit on interstate highways; other multilane, divided, limited-access highways; and high-occupancy vehicle lanes if they are physically separated from regular travel lanes.

Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, is sponsoring an identical bill in the Senate, also at McDonnell's request.

-- The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot