Be Winter Wise During a Spring Storm
PUEBLO – A spring storm is barrelling down on Colorado and it will bring blowing snow and wind to southeastern Colorado, which could impact travel conditions. Don’t be caught off guard with this storm which has the potential to bring high winds and blizzard conditions. Motorists may also encounter wind advisories and restrictions along the front range.
Currently, US 287 is closed Eads to Limon due to adverse and blizzard conditions. US 24 is also closed from Calhan, east due to dangerous high winds. CDOT reminds drivers not to cross the closure points, even if road conditions are clean in the area. There is the potential for more closures and restrictions throughout the day. With rapid weather changes in Colorado, CDOT wants to provide as much information about highways and interstates as possible. Be sure to stay informed on travel alerts and road conditions by visiting cotrip.org. The site provides important information for drivers regarding Colorado chain laws, road cameras and conditions to help drivers prepare for their journey.
AVOID A FINE! Motorists should be aware the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law could be implemented if conditions require it. When either law is in effect, highway signage will be activated.
∙ Traction Law — Motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel drive vehicle — all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
∙ Passenger Vehicle Chain Law — Every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).
Without proper equipment, you can be fined $130. If your vehicle blocks the roadway, you could be fined more than $650.
WINTER TRAVEL TIPS:
➢ Log on to CDOT’s Winter Driving web page at: http://www.codot.gov/
➢ Be sure you have good snow tires. How do you know if you need new snow tires? Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with Washington’s head going in first; if the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK (do this test in multiple points around each tire.) If the top of his head is visible at any point, you need new tires.
➢ Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.
➢ If you are stuck in a serious storm do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.
➢ Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock deicer.
➢ Remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions, especially if you have inadequate snow tires.
➢ Know the chain laws. Chain restrictions in Colorado are most often put into effect for commercial vehicles (semi-trailer trucks) and do not usually affect passenger vehicles.
➢ Drive for the conditions. In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents.
➢ In addition to these winter driving tips, CDOT reminds all motorists to respect winter weather, conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, and leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road (including plow trucks). Of course, always buckle up!
SNOW REMOVAL PRODUCTS:
➢ Magnesium Chloride: In solutions that utilize up to 30 percent magnesium chloride, this product is effective for pavement surface temperatures down to 16 degrees Fahrenheit.
➢ Cold Temperature Modified Magnesium Chloride: In solutions that utilize up to 27 percent magnesium chloride, this product is used when surface temperatures fall below approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit. These products have a corn-processed byproduct additive that greatly lowers the freezing point of magnesium chloride.
➢ Ice Slicer: This is a solid product made up of mainly sodium chloride; it also contains small amounts of other materials making it more effective at lower temperatures than pure sodium chloride.
