CDOT’s new statewide, interactive map helps Colorado drivers find tire shops and discounts in their area ahead of winter driving season

STATEWIDE — Safer vehicles mean safer roads. As Colorado heads into the winter driving season, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is making it easier than ever for drivers to ensure their vehicles are prepared for snowy and icy conditions. CDOT has launched an online, statewide map to help drivers find reliable tire shops and discounts in their area.

“When it comes to winter driving, tires are one of the primary factors in how well you’re able to navigate Colorado’s often treacherous road conditions,” said Andrew Hogle, CDOT public information officer. “By creating this simple tool, we hope to help Coloradans access the resources they need to stay safe on the roads this winter.”

CDOT has teamed up with over 140 tire partners across the state, many of which are providing discounts on tires and winter maintenance services through the agency’s new online database. These discounts and the statewide tire partner map can be found at codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tires. CDOT will add more tire partners to the online map to continue growing the database throughout the season. Tire companies and auto shops interested in partnering with CDOT to be included can visit bit.ly/CDOT-tire-database to complete the tire partner registration form.

Updates to Colorado’s Traction Law went into effect last year, requiring that all motorists have either an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or winter tires, mud/snow tires, or tires with an all-weather rating. The law also increased the minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles — including those with four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive — to three-sixteenths (3/16) of an inch. For more Traction Law information and downloadable materials, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.

Between October and December 2019, CDOT data shows 124 crashes were reported on the I-70 mountain corridor, resulting in more than 114 hours of partial and full-lane closure time. More than 50 non-crash emergency responses were also reported in that time — which includes spin-outs/slide-offs and mechanical issues — resulting in 28 hours of closure time. CDOT reports that traffic accidents, not volume, account for up to 60% of all traffic delays on Colorado roads.

“CDOT and our partners do everything possible to keep the roads clear and safe for those traveling, but it is the responsibility of all drivers to make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter,” said Hogle. “One of the biggest, yet most preventable, things we see that causes major problems on our roads and highways is bad tires.”

In addition to providing resources to ensure vehicle and tire safety and Traction Law compliance, CDOT is also reminding motorists of the following tips for driving in the snow:

• Slow down — driving too fast for conditions causes most accidents.
• Take a little extra time to clear your car of snow and ice before leaving for your destination.
• When driving at night, keep your headlight beams low. High beams can amplify the appearance of snow and lead to decreased visibility.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Obey the Tandem Snowplow Law. Never pass a snowplow on the right, and never attempt to pass a group of snowplows operating in tandem formation. This is now a Class A traffic offense.
• Avoid traveling to the mountains during peak times. Goi70.com offers weekend travel forecasts that are updated every Thursday afternoon to help you plan.
• If you are stopped on I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, it may be due to safety metering. Safety metering helps control the flow of traffic, reduce crashes and keeps the tunnel clear for emergency vehicles to get through. Please be patient.
• An Express Lane is available on eastbound I-70 between Empire and Idaho Springs for a toll.

Visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/winter-preparedness.html for more winter driving preparedness tips and checklists.

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.  

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews follow social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home safely. 

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.