DENVER — As part of a truck driver education series dubbed The Mountain Rules, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is releasing three 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 videos are specifically focused on safe winter driving, navigating construction work zones and handling hot brakes, according to a CDOT news release.
“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.”
The Mountain Rules series was developed by CDOT, in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA) in 2019. All videos in the series emphasize the importance of being prepared for the specific obstacles truck drivers face when traveling through the state.
While local truckers may be familiar with Colorado’s highways, CDOT notes that 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, 10-minute 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 also are distributed to truck driving schools, trucking companies, and other trucking-related entities.
“The steep downgrades, winding roadways, and fast changing weather conditions, make for a challenging drive, for even the most experienced truck driver,” said the CMCA President Greg Fulton. “The Mountain Rules program and videos provide a great educational tool for truck drivers, especially those unfamiliar with Colorado’s mountains. It helps them to understand how to navigate our mountainous roadways in a safe manner. We believe this tool and other strategies by our state and local partners will make mountainous corridors like I-70 safer and reduce delays and closures.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
how’s about YOU TEACH THE CARS TO DRIVE. we are already regulated & ta Ed.
This is a good step, now if can get the drivers to really want to learn. Being from the west coast I was taught from childhood. I understand that is not what “flatlanders” get to learn. Lived for several years down in TX and was witness to why many drivers did not want to drive to the W or the E if could get out of it. Hope this opportunity is drilled into all those new to trucking. There are safe ways to get down off those mtns., they are not hard, HOWEVER it does require patience and time!!