CDOT, safety partners deliver winter driving safety messages ahead of holiday travel

News Release

Dec. 18, 2024 - Colorado - Heavy traffic volume anticipated on I-70 mountain corridor

To view and download CDOT’s Winter Wise safety education materials, visit: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/campaign-materials

Email [email protected] for the Dec. 18, 2024 press conference media kit.

Statewide — CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol, the I-70 Coalition, AAA Colorado and DriveSafe Colorado teamed up this morning to deliver critical winter driving safety messages ahead of what is expected to be an influx of drivers on Colorado roads during the holidays, specifically the I-70 mountain corridor. The safety partners spoke about Colorado’s Traction Law, tire safety, winter safety resources and avoiding peak travel times to ensure safe and smooth winter holiday travel.

“Last December, more than one million motorists traveled through the Johnson and Eisenhower Tunnels; that’s an average of nearly 35,000 vehicles per day,” said Andrew Hogle, CDOT communications manager. “With tens of thousands of vehicles traveling through one mountain corridor daily, ensuring your tires are Traction Law-compliant is critical. Just one unprepared vehicle can cause hours of delays.”

From Sept. 1 to May 31, the Traction Law remains active on the I-70 mountain corridor from Dotsero to Morrison. Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law requires all motorists to have 3/16 inch tread depth on all tires and at least one of the following:

  • 4WD or AWD vehicle
  • Tires with mud and snow designation (M+S icon)
  • Winter tires (mountain snowflake icon)
  • Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer
  • Chains or approved traction device

Coloradans should also be aware of the Tandem Snowplow Law, which makes it illegal to pass a group of snowplows operating in tandem formation (arranged diagonally). Violating the law is a Class A traffic offense and can result in fines.

Crashes and spun-out vehicles are the primary causes of lengthy delays along the I-70 mountain corridor. Last December, Traction Law violations closed nearly 209 hours of lanes on I-70. CDOT maintenance operation teams monitor state highways and interstates 24/7, including holidays and are responsible for posting safety messaging onto variable message signs above the highway and updating COtrip.org anytime there is an incident.

"Snow, ice and low visibility require more attention and less speed. Posted speed limits are for clear and dry pavement," stated Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Means with the Colorado State Patrol. "Because snow and ice make slick conditions, drivers should also avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating. Aggressive driving increases your chances of losing control during poor weather."

CDOT recommends avoiding travel on I-70 during peak times, which are typically Friday afternoons between 2 to 7 p.m. (westbound) and Sunday evenings between 3 to 6 p.m. (eastbound).

"By every record, 2024 has been a record-shattering year for travel - and we expect 107 million Americans will be traveling by car over the holidays alone," said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. "Remember, when you're stuck in traffic, you can't be mad at traffic: You are traffic. If you prepare your car, pack your patience, and drive prudently, you can prevent a traffic-snaring slowdown. That's worth celebrating."

About Winter Wise

CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Safety Law, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.

Winter Travel Tips for Motorists

  • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm
  • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (review info sources below)
  • Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with the appropriate weather tires and a snow emergency kit
  • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance
  • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snowplows

Safety Closures

A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

Visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists can sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to check if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!