Truckers heading through Colorado mountain passes have a new tool to help stay safe this winter.
What's new: Colorado legislators recently passed Senate Bill 69, allowing private companies to offer chain installation services along crucial mountain routes.
- The goal is to reduce accidents and road closures caused by vehicles without chains during snowstorms on highways like I-70, which has seen numerous shut-downs due to stranded vehicles.
- The bill requires private companies to apply for permits to operate, and mandates that those installing chains wear reflective clothing and use proper signage.
Why it matters: Many truckers carry chains but hesitate to install them due to lack of knowledge or convenience, leading to dangerous road conditions. This new law aims to address these issues.
Sen. Dylan Roberts, a sponsor of the bill, said, “Authorizing these third-party vendors to station themselves isn’t going to stop every crash, but it’s definitely going to cut down on them,” reported The Aspen Times.
Looking ahead: Legislators are also considering increasing fines for violations next year, adding more urgency for truckers and drivers to chain up and follow the rules.