Preparing for Winter in the Mountains

Andrew Hogle*, CDOT Public Information Officer
303-757-9437 (desk) | 303-513-1163 (cell)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Andrew Hogle is available for interviews about winter driving preparations and the “Winter Driving in the Wild” video series.

STATEWIDE — Hey, Colorado, where’s winter? CDOT is reminding Colorado drivers that snow will eventually fall, and you should prepare your vehicle now for when it does. As part of its Winter Wise campaign, the agency just released the second installment of the new “Winter Driving in the Wild” video series that addresses winter driving preparedness.

View CDOT’s new “Winter Preparedness” video here.


Snow has evaded much of the state so far this season, and Denver is setting marks unseen since before World War II. Denver recently set the latest snowfall record — the previous latest snowfall was Nov. 21 (1934) — and is climbing its consecutive-days-without-measurable-snow record (currently at 226 days, ranking third all-time). The city’s most days without snow is 235 days, set in 1887.

“This is an unusual start to winter; I’m patiently waiting for snow like everyone else,” said Andrew Hogle, CDOT public information officer. “I’m no meteorologist, but there’s a 100% chance snow will return. Our latest ‘Winter Driving in the Wild’ video is a crucial reminder that Coloradans need to prepare for unpredictable winter weather. You don’t want to get caught in a snowstorm without a safe vehicle, tires and adequate tread. And a quality ice scraper, among other things.”

ABOUT WINTER DRIVING IN THE WILD
“Winter Driving in the Wild” is an educational video series that raises awareness of the laws, preparations and resources for safe and efficient winter driving. The series features the do’s and don’ts of Colorado winter driving through wildlife documentary-style mini-movies. “Winter Driving in the Wild” launches as CDOT prepares for winter travel, and the department hopes the series serves as a humorous and educational reminder of how to stay safe throughout winter.

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 and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.

ABOUT CDOT
CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

STAY INFORMED
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:

Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html
Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

# # #