Utah’s Transportation Comrnission has taken action to firm up legality of the 55 miles per hour speed limit which had been under question. And judging by the recent rash of high way accidents and fatalities the move was warranted, even though it may not be popular with some motorists. The transportation board adopted-an emergency resolution on the 55 mph limit and immediately filed it with the state archivist, giving it the effect of law. Under provisions of the Utah Rulmakingi Act, the emergency nature of the resolution makes it effective immediately but the public can comment on it any time within 120 days. If citizens ask for a public hearing there will be one called to discuss the measure. The transportation commissioners took the action in response to a recent First District Court decision by Judge VeNoy Christofferson in which a speeding ticket was dismissed because the driver was charged under a governor’s proclamation which the judge ruled was now invaled. The proclamation of Gov. Calvin L. Rampton had set the 55 mph speed limit based on the Arab oil embargo and the resultant gasoline shortage. Judge Christofferson ruled the proclamation was no longer valid because the embargo was no longer in effect. Members of the board said they adopted the emergency resolution because traffic deaths have increased markedly as the average speed on the highways rose. Studies have shown the average Utah highway speed has risen to 63 mph. The action was taken under state law that gives the Department of Transportation the power to test a speed limit higher or lower than the statutorily – mandated limit of 60 in the daytime and 50 at night, if there is evidence that the public safety is threatened. As already noted, citizens who disapprove can ask for a public hearing on the resolution and may file written comments with the commission during the 120-day life of the emergency resolution. Meantime. the Utah Transportation Commission’s resolution settles the question of whether the 55 mph law is in effect. It is hoped that by application of the spirit as well as the letter of the law Utahns can get the rising highway fatality rate under control. It Happens Each August Those odd, unearthly creatures you see slogging through the sports pages are not fugitives from “Star Wars.” They’re madmen who think it’s time to play football again. So it’s too hot to play football. So it’s only August, not October. So why are the Steelers and the Bengals and the Browns and the Broncos playing games already? So why aren’t the Rams and the Dolphins water – skiing instead of covering punt returns? Becaues they’re daft, that’s why. Never mind that baseball season still has two months to run. Or that the temperature is 99 in the shade. Once the old adrenalin starts to flow, you can forget the humidity and start humming “Hail to the Redskins.” How do you know whether’you have the disease? Do you keep hearing snatches of your old college fight song? Are you tossing touchdown passes in your backyard? Are you wondering who’s going to replace Charlie in the office football pool? If so, you’re hooked, good buddy. Might as well relax and enjoy it before basketball season begins.