Even in the best conditions, winter driving takes preparation, patience, and flexibility. And that goes double for driving in Colorado’s mountains, where road and weather conditions can change rapidly and present a series of formidable challenges for even the most seasoned driver, from fog and windy whiteouts to ice storms, slush, and passes closed by avalanches.
A new traction law that went into effect this year should help to make mountain driving along the state’s busiest corridor a bit safer. But the law is only effective if people know about and comply with its requirements. Whether you’re heading for the ski resorts or just trying to get home for the holidays, here’s what you need to know about the new law — and a few tips that can make your mountain journey that much more enjoyable.
WHAT IS COLORADO’S TRACTION LAW FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES?
The Colorado Department of Transportation has long had the authority to require that certain vehicles carry special traction equipment, such as tire chains, during weather emergencies. What’s different about Colorado’s new traction law, which went into effect in August 2019, is that it imposes a season-long requirement for drivers heading into the mountains along I-70, from Dotsero to Morrison. From September 1 through May 31, drivers using this 126-mile stretch of interstate are required to have either snow tires, tires designated for mud and snow (“M+S” tires), or four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles. In addition, the minimum amount of tread required for tires on snowy roads across the state is now 3/16 of an inch, up from a previous 1/8-inch requirement.
What’s behind the new law? A desire to get motorists using only two-wheel drive vehicles to improve their traction with snow-worthy tires or chains, while also keeping the four-wheelers from thinking they’re so well-equipped that they can get away with bald tires.
During severe storms, CDOT can still require passenger vehicles to put on chains, just like the big rigs. And the penalty for ignoring such requirements can be steep, from a basic fine of $130 for ignoring traction requirements to one of more than $650 if a motorist without sufficient traction gets stuck and blocks the roadway.
KEEPING SAFE ON MOUNTAIN ROADS
Although mountain driving can have its anxious moments, you can reduce your risk of an accident or getting stranded by following a few common-sense principles. The most important:
- Plan ahead. Get the latest information about weather and road conditions from the state travel-planning website or other reliable sources before you head out. Never assume that a particular road is “always open” or that plows will have taken care of any overnight accumulations. Have a backup route in mind in the event that you run into closures or heavy delays. Make sure windows and mirrors are clean, wipers and defroster and heat working, and visibility optimal before setting out.
- Slow down. Most winter accidents are a result of drivers going too fast for the conditions. Braking takes longer than it does on dry roads, and all-wheel drive doesn’t mean you won’t slide on ice. Whenever possible, use lower gears (rather than constant braking) to help slow you down in steep descents, and give other drivers plenty of room to react to changing conditions ahead.
- Bring the right gear. Emergency supplies are a must, just in case you do run into gridlock. Or a snowdrift. Food and water, warm clothing and cell phone, an emergency kit, hazard lights, flashlight, a snow shovel, ice scraper and sunglasses, blankets and gloves — you know the drill.
- Watch the skies — and the truckers. Don’t be fooled by patches of sunshine and dry roads; weather can change dramatically from one side of a mountain to another, as anyone who’s been through Eisenhower Tunnel in January can verify. Pay attention to changing conditions and what the commercial long-haul truckers are doing; if they’re all pulling off the road, maybe they know something about what’s ahead that you don’t.
- Adapt. Build extra time into your itinerary so you don’t have to press on in treacherous conditions. Pull off at rest stops or food stops where you can recharge your internal battery and unclench from the wheel. If the situation seems to be deteriorating rapidly, consider another route or a break for the night. The road will still be there tomorrow, after the storm has dissipated.
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