(Colorado) – If you are taking a trip to Colorado’s Western Slope, the Rocky Mountains showcase some of the most amazing scenery. While viewing the natural landscapes and wildlife can be part of the fun as you head to your final destination, the Colorado State Patrol wants drivers to pull off at scenic overlooks and rest stops instead of driving while distracted or parking on the shoulder of the road.
Last year, the Colorado State Patrol investigated 380 fatal and injury crashes on Colorado’s Western Slope related to lane violations from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Crashes were most frequent on Friday-Sunday with the majority of incidents occurring between noon and 8 p.m. each of those days.
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Two of the most significant human contributing factors to these crashes that troopers identified were that the at-fault driver was driving aggressively (including driving above the posted speed limit) or did not have experience frequently with the road conditions found in the mountains. Visitors are encouraged to get to know the routes they are intending to drive while visiting the region on our Super Cruising in Colorado website and use pull-offs when wanting to take in the scenery. |
“Many mountain roads are only a single lane in each direction with steep grades and blind curves. Simply put a partial lane obstruction is a major hazard,” cautions Major Dave Rollins, District 4 Commander, Colorado State Patrol. “Additionally, if you were distracted enough to pull over on a road with limited or no shoulder, chances are the person behind you or coming toward you could be equally distracted.”
Ideally, motorists will locate a designated pull-off or scenic overlook. Since the area will see traffic including RVs and trailers lane obstructions can be particularly challenging for motorists.
As part of a summer awareness campaign, Super Cruising in Colorado, the Colorado State Patrol has created a web resource to help prepare visitors on the scenic byways and mountain roadways throughout the area as well as common traits of two-lane roads. In addition, check out the video on how to properly distribute weight on your trailer.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.