DENVER, Colo. — Following treacherous winter weather on April 14 and related crashes statewide, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is issuing a reminder to all motorists: Winter is not over.
CDOT issued a press release this week offering guidance and warnings to drivers that “chain laws run through May 31.
“Snowstorms can still occur throughout the remainder of spring and CDOT officials emphasize that compliance with state Traction and Chain Laws is a matter of public safety, not a suggestion,” the release stated. “In addition, posted speed limits apply only to ideal conditions — if the weather changes, so should your speed. CDOT reminds drivers to slow down and give others plenty of space during spring storms.”
“Tuesday’s crashes are a sobering example of how quickly conditions deteriorate when drivers are unprepared for Colorado’s unpredictable winter weather,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We are seeing a dangerous trend of motorists neglecting safety protocols. The reality is that mountain passes and the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor can transition from dry pavement to ice in minutes.”
The Associated Press reported that crashes involving about 70 vehicles snarled a section of a snowy Colorado highway and sent eight people to the hospital.
The pileup Tuesday prompted officials to close the eastbound side of Interstate 70 in Clear Creek County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Denver, the Colorado State Patrol said in a statement.
Chain and Traction Laws in effect yearly from September 1 – May 31.
Traction Law: During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction (PVT) law. CDOT can implement traction and chain laws on any state highway. During a traction law, all motorists are required to have all-wheel drive (AWD)/four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles with tires designated as mud and snow (mountain-snowflake icon or M+S or M/S denoted) and 3/16-inch tread depth, or AWD/4WD vehicles with winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon or M+S or M/S denoted) and 3/16-inch tread depth, or AWD/4WD vehicles with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16-inch tread depth, or chains or an approved alternative traction device.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Chain Law: All heavy-duty vehicles are required to carry chains or alternative traction devices and must be prepared to deploy them immediately when signaled by highway on In-Cab alerts.
Drivers are encouraged to check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App for real-time road conditions and to ensure their vehicles are winter-ready before heading into the high country.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
