The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has released new videos aimed at educating and preparing truck drivers – especially those from out of state – for the unique challenges they face on Colorado’s mountain highways.
The series, “The Mountain Rules,” specifically focuses on safe winter driving, navigating construction work zones, and handling hot brakes.
“We know that our state’s terrain and unpredictable weather conditions create immense challenges for semi-truck drivers,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We’ve created this series as a way to equip truck drivers with the necessary knowledge and awareness to safely and confidently navigate our highways, especially in the high country.”
CDOT developed “The Mountain Rules” series in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, PrePass Safety Alliance, and others. All videos in the series emphasize the importance of preparing for the specific obstacles truck drivers face when traveling through the state.
While local truckers may be familiar with Colorado’s highways, those from out of state often are new to the intricacies of navigating winter driving conditions along steep mountain corridors, understanding chain and traction laws, managing hot brakes, and adhering to Colorado’s “move over law.” Each topic has its own dedicated, brief video as part of the overall series to help prepare drivers.
“Traveling along the I-70 corridor includes sharp curves, seven and eight percent grades, not to mention congested peak travel times accompanied by quickly changing weather conditions,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Colorado relies on your presence and services, and this video series will help prepare you for the common conditions on I-70. Safety should never take a back seat – prepare yourself before the trip.”
CDOT and its partners encourage all truck drivers to educate themselves and view the videos, which can be found on CDOT’s YouTube channel and at freight.COtrip.org. The Mountain Rules videos are also distributed to truck driving schools, trucking companies, and other trucking-related entities.
For more information, or to watch all the video in this series, visit: https://freight.colorado.gov/safety/mountain-rules
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