NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
*************************
The snow, the lights, the skiing...Colorado’s Western Slope is an incredible place to stay for the holiday season. While gathering with friends or relaxing from the daily grind, be a responsible member of the community and never drive drunk or high.
Looking at Western Slope 2022 crash data from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, Colorado State troopers alone covered 141 crashes caused by impaired driving. December was the peak month with 51 crashes.
“Whether a resident of Colorado or coming here on vacation, we want you to plan for a sober ride before you head out,” explained Major Brett Williams, District 5 Commander of the Colorado State Patrol. “The holiday or any day would not be the same without you. So, make a plan to arrive safely at your destination and never risk your life or anyone else’s along the way.”
Options like rideshare, public transportation and even walking exist in many areas! If you cannot find a safe alternative, celebrate where you live or stay. There is no excuse for driving impaired.
As a resource to visitors in the area, the Colorado State Patrol has updated its Super Cruising in Colorado web resource to help prepare visitors on scenic byways and mountain roadways throughout the area during winter conditions.
Tips for Winter Mountain Driving
- Scrape all your windows and remove the snow from the roof of your vehicle
- Tap off your fluids and ensure your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, defroster and tires are in good condition. Tires need to have 3/16” of tread depth or greater
- Check the weather and your complete route. Be prepared for changing conditions
- Go slow. Adjust your overall driving speed down when there is snow or ice. Accelerate slowly to avoid skids. Decelerate slowly – it takes longer to slow down on icy roads
- Increase your following distance. Longer distances are needed to come to a safe stop
- No cruise control. Using cruise control is never a good idea due to downgrades and curves, but it is especially dangerous in the winter due to ice and snow conditions
- Don’t stop going uphill. You don’t have to rush; just keep it steady until the top. Then, slow down on the other side
- Keep a winter kit in your vehicle – Stay with Your Vehicle. Don’t wander from your vehicle if you get stranded. Tie a colored cloth on your antenna and call for assistance if you have a cell signal
- Practice before you go out. Learn your brakes and the condition of the roadways by practicing in an open space (e.g., a parking lot)
*************************
