After Mountain Crashes, CDOT Reminds Drivers To Winterize Cars
SILVERTHORNE, Colo. (CBS4) - Snow, wind and multiple crashes forced the closure of a stretch of Interstate 70 Thursday.
The interstate was closed in the eastbound direction between Silverthorne and the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnels from about 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
"This is a really good reminder that folks need to winterize their cars," Emily Wilfong, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, told CBS4.
Several trucks spun out of control on the busy stretch of mountain roadway, including some semis driving without chains during a chain restriction. Wilfong said CDOT will soon enforce a similar restriction, Code 15, for passenger vehicles traveling through the mountain corridor.
"Passenger vehicles must have either snow tires, four-wheel drive, chains or an alternative traction device on their tires," Wilfong said. "Code 15 is not a new law. If drivers get in an accident, for instance, and state patrol notices they don't have proper tread on their vehicle, they will get an additional fine up to $150."
Wilfong said Code 15 is not in effect yet, but will be strongly enforced this winter.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
