Drivers on the New York State Thruway now have permission to go 65 mph in an area of Rockland County.

The speed limit on the thruway was increased Thursday to 65 mph along a 12-mile stretch in Ramapo. A Thruway Authority official says after going through traffic data, the agency found motorists were traveling at that speed in that area with no problems.

Officials say having a uniform speed on a section of the highway makes driving conditions more safe.