CSP plans extra I-70 patrols in the mountains

February 21, 2023 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens.

If you are on I-70 Wednesday, watch for extra speed control from Colorado State Patrol troopers. Data shows that Wednesdays have the highest number of crashes in Eagle, Garfield and Summit counties, from January through March. The biggest cause of these crashes are speeding, lane violations, and following too close. Watch for lots of state troopers out there, in those areas on Wednesday, Feb. 22, for some reminders of driving safely.

Here’s more from Colorado State Patrol; Feb. 21, 2023.

Multiple CSP Troop Offices Team Up Along I-70 in the Mountains to Prevent Crashes

(SUMMIT, COLO.) – On February 22, 2023, Troopers from Frisco, Vail and Glenwood Springs will conduct high visibility surge enforcement operations on Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, Dowd Canyon, Vail Pass, and Glenwood Canyon. The ultimate goal is to prevent property damage, injury, and fatal crashes in these areas and avoid road closures seen in recent months.

When looking at data for Eagle, Garfield, and Summit counties, over the last five years from January through March, Wednesdays had the highest number of crashes. This enforcement will focus on the time of day contributing to the majority of these crashes, running from 6am to 9pm. Additionally, the top three contributing factors in crashes for this time period was speeding, lane violations, and following too close.

“Speeding is an ignored safety problem impacting our communities,” stated Jessica Bruce, Sergeant of the Colorado State Patrol. “Driving above the limit or too fast for road conditions reduces your ability to safely operate your vehicle and a crash with potential life altering consequences.” Unsafe speeds in addition to mountainous driving conditions like curves, downgrades, and adverse weather conditions make driving the speed limit that much more important.

Motorist can expect to see more enforcement by troopers along Interstate 70 in these locations and are being asked keep their driving behavior safe. Quick tips include: drive the speed limit, keep more space to the front and sides of your vehicle (more than you think), don’t drive distracted or impaired, and curb your emotions to keep from getting aggressive on the road.