GEICO new sponsor of CDOT Safety Patrol
News Release
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation today announced that GEICO is the new sponsor of the CDOT Safety Patrol and is adding additional coverage routes to roadways experiencing higher volumes of incidents needing assistance. The CDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO is an integral part of CDOT’s incident response. The sponsorship announcement coincides with National First Responders Day, on October 28th.
Currently the CDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO patrols major highways in Denver and I-25 in Fort Collins and Colorado Springs with Peak Patrol, Off-Peak Patrol and Weekend Patrol times. Additional coverage has been added to portions of I-76 and I-270 in Denver, due to the GEICO sponsorship. Highway signs informing motorists of the new patrolled routes will now feature the GEICO logo.
Every day in the Denver region, there are about 220 reported traffic crashes and statewide approximately 120,000 crashes annually. The CDOT Safety Patrol provides assistance to an average of 50,000 incidents in Colorado every year. Despite work from home models changing commuter traffic patterns, speeds and crashes have increased overall and the need for the CDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO is more critical than ever, as the patrols are considered to be “one of the most effective Traffic Incident Management components” by the US Department of Transportation and NHTSA.
As many as twenty percent of crashes result from a previous crash, and for every minute a primary incident remains a hazard, the likelihood of a secondary crash increases by 2.8%. On average, the CDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO clears incidents on Colorado highways in under 12 minutes, which dramatically reduces the likelihood of a second crash.
The Move Over Law in Colorado requires all drivers to move into the next lane over for stopped vehicles. If this is not possible, the driver must reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour (mph) if the speed limit is 45 mph or more, or to under 25 mph if the speed limit is 40 mph or less. This law is in place to protect all First Responders.
“CDOT’s mission is to help get every traveler to their destination safely, and our safety patrols are a critical component of our work to complete that mission,” said CDOT Maintenance and Operations Director John Lorme. “We are especially excited to expand our service area to I-76 and I-270 in the Denver Metro area through this new partnership with GEICO, which will aid more members of the travelling public in their critical times of need.”
The Safety Service Patrol aligns with CDOT’s longstanding commitment to helping conserve energy and protect the environment. With GEICO support, the patrol will continue to provide vital services to motorists in need and improve mobility on the state’s highest trafficked highways for years to come.
“GEICO is proud of this new partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation and deeply values this opportunity to help make roadways safer for all,” said GEICO Regional Vice President Shane Wheeler. “GEICO has a long history of promoting driver safety, and we at GEICO are excited to contribute to the safety of Colorado drivers through this important service to the community.”
CDOT first established the program, then known as the Mile High Courtesy Patrol, in 1992. Since the program began, the Safety Patrol program has:
- Over 5 million miles driven
- 846,000 hours patrolled
- Half a million motorists assisted
The patrol provides assistance to motorists by changing flat tires, jump-starting vehicles, refueling empty gas tanks, providing lockout assistance, clearing debris from the highway and providing support to the Colorado State Patrol at incident scenes. Stranded motorists are relieved when the Safety Patrol responds to their need, seemingly out of the blue.
“Patrol Driver Angela came to my rescue out of nowhere! My car started to smoke then died on the Parker exit off 225 heading north. She blocked the lane to my left so a tow truck could easily back in and pick me up. I was caught in a really bad spot and wasn't feeling safe, but as soon as she got there and blocked the lane, I felt way better about the situation and it was resolved quickly. I appreciate Angela so very much for what she did, and I appreciate the service you guys offer.” – Assisted motorist
More information can be found at SafetyPatrolinfo.com and the CDOT website at CDOT Safety Patrol. GEICO Living is also a great source for auto safety related articles and tips. Assisted motorists are encouraged to share about the help they received by posting to social media. Motorists will be able to tag the patrols using #GEICOSafetyPatrol.
A member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, GEICO is a stable company that was founded 85 years ago and consistently works to make driving safer for all travelers. Through sponsorship of the Safety Patrol, GEICO continues its focus on safety by supporting the Colorado DOT.
Broadcast Quality Video for Download (link below)
https://www.safetypatrolinfo.com/colorado-press-kit
About CDOT
CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, GEICO employs more than 43,000 associates countrywide. GEICO constantly strives to make lives better by protecting people against unexpected events while saving them money and providing an outstanding customer experience. Along with personal auto insurance, commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft, term life, and more coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Visit geico.com for a quote or to learn more.
