Known for its sometimes challenges roads, the Rocky Mountain state mandates truck divers follow rigorous safety regulations beginning in autumn. That’s largely because nearly 10 percent of Colorado’s fatal accidents reportedly involve semi-trucks. Beginning Sept. 1, Colorado tasks all CDL professionals with carrying chains when traveling I-70. This safety precaution starts early, runs through May 31 each year, and extends to the following vehicles, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
- Gross combination weight rating of 16,001 or more pounds, inclusive of a towed unit, which has a gross vehicle weight-ration of more than 10,000 pounds.
- Gross vehicle weight rating of 16,001 or more pounds.
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
It’s also important for truckers to know that passenger vehicles are not necessarily bound by these regulations. People operating vehicles under 16,001 pounds are subject to these safety guidelines on a case-by-case basis. When storms roll through Colorado, causing slippery or hazardous road conditions, officials issue driving safety alerts. That’s when cars, SUVs, and other non-commercial vehicles are typically tasked with deploying chains.
This facet of the state’s chain law is crucial for truck drivers to know because delays in warnings may result in passenger vehicles operating without them. However, the state does have other precautionary rules in place to minimize drivers potentially losing control due to snow and black ice conditions. These include the following, according to the CODOT website.
- All motorists are required to either have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or (for two-wheel drive vehicles) snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. Tread depth on all tires must be at least 3/16 inches regardless of vehicle type.
- Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must carry chain devices or alternative traction devices.
- It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required traction equipment.
Passenger vehicles that do not possess 4WD or AWD capabilities with all-weather tires are required to deploy chains. Truck drivers should also be aware that Colorado has two distinct chain law requirements. All single-axle combination trucks are required to fasten chains to all four tires when Level 1 conditions are in effect. Under Level 2 conditions, every commercial vehicle must chain all four tires.
Truckers not carrying chains from Sept. 1 through May 31 are subject to fines regardless of conditions and storm alerts. Failing to chain up during Level 1 or 2 conditions substantially increases those penalties. Although Colorado ranks among the more challenging areas to transport freight during cold-weather months, other states also have varying chain mandates that may be triggered. Truck drivers are urged to carry chains whenever possible and check for weather alerts and follow safety advisories.
Source: codot.gov
I’ll pass!