MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — Senate Bill 24-100 passed the Colorado State House creating new areas for chain requirements, lane restrictions and speed enforcement.
A joint press conference was held Friday at the Dumont Point of Entry featuring Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew C. Packard and Colorado Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger.
"We are out here doing a chain check, if you will, an operation," said Packard. "This is one of several weekly operations we will do throughout the winter season to make sure that commercial motor vehicles are complying with Colorado's mandatory chain law."
Also included in the law are locations where lane restrictions will be enforced for commercial motor vehicles. The areas include roads that are the windiest and with the steepest grade. They will be well-marked with signs.
There will also be heightened speed violations specifically for CMVs. Although Colorado has seen an 8% decrease year to date in fatal crashes involving CMVs, Packard says speed continues to be the most contributing factor.
"When we look at our crash data for commercial motor vehicles, excessive speed is the single largest most contributing factor."
But with winter weather often being unpredictable across the mountain corridor, Packard says the new chain requirement will keep traffic flowing and increase safety on the roads.
"Chains help keep trucks moving, adequate traction, the proper tires, all help keep traffic moving and that's a big win for Colorado."