Drivers Cautioned About I-70 Sun Glare

November 3, 2011 - Central Eastern Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - CLEAR CREEK COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers who travel Interstate 70 about the yearly sun glare problem in the Floyd Hill area.

From early November through early February, morning drivers can encounter a blinding sun glare as they head eastbound up Floyd Hill (mile 244 to 247 – east of Idaho Springs).  The glare occurs from approximately 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. However, it is especially severe between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. The problem is created by the sun’s angle during the late fall and early winter, in combination with the hill and the highway’s configuration through the area.

CDOT will be providing advance notification of the potential hazard, displaying messages on electronic sign boards prior to Floyd Hill, alerting motorists of the sun glare, to use caution, and expect slower speeds.

Other driver recommendations include:

  • Making sure the windshield is clean – inside and out
  • Wearing a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading
  • Anticipating traffic slowdowns and adjusting speed to avoid sudden reactions
  • Letting off the accelerator and slowing down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes, if suddenly blinded by the sun
  • Avoiding eastbound travel on Floyd Hill, if possible, between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

CDOT also is reminding motorists of Colorado’s Move-It Law, a joint effort between CDOT and

law enforcement agencies to encourage motorists to follow a state law requiring drivers involved in minor accidents on Interstates to move their vehicle immediately out of traffic to a safe location.  The insurance industry also encourages compliance with the Move It law, reassuring drivers there will still be a full investigation of the crash to determine fault.

“Many people are apprehensive about moving their vehicle after an accident, worried they’re jeopardizing their insurance coverage,” says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.  “However, when it comes to safety, the industry fully supports taking actions that reduces potential hazards to drivers, first and foremost.”

Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year.  Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by going to www.cotrip.org.  Updates also are available via e-mail.  Please visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.  The link takes you to a list of items you can subscribe to, including I-70 West, Denver to Glenwood Springs.