Colorado Springs, Colorado — Recent incidents involving the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) highlight the dangers of speeding on winter roads and the risks posed to emergency responders working to ensure public safety. Over just three days, four CSP troopers were struck by vehicles while assisting motorists. These incidents underline the importance of driving cautiously in adverse weather conditions.

Between Friday, February 14, and Sunday, February 16, reckless driving led to avoidable crashes in Colorado, where icy roads and poor visibility demanded heightened driver responsibility. CSP has reported that high speeds and carelessness continue to be significant factors in these incidents.

Accident Timeline: What Happened?

Friday, February 14
At approximately 7 p.m., a CSP trooper pulled over a vehicle on southbound I-25 near the Air Force Academy scenic overlook north of Colorado Springs. The driver had failed to turn on their headlights. However, as the driver attempted to stop, her car struck the guardrail’s end cap and spun back into the interstate, colliding with the patrol vehicle.

Fortunately, the trooper was unharmed. The driver, however, was hospitalized and later arrested for DUI and careless driving.

Saturday, February 15
A CSP vehicle was struck from behind on eastbound I-70 between Rifle and Glenwood Springs while assisting in a prior crash. The patrol car was stationary, blocking the left lane to prevent further accidents.

While no injuries were reported, the incident temporarily shut down the highway until authorities could clear the scene.

Sunday, February 16 (Incident 1)
At 1:15 a.m., a trooper on I-25 near mile marker 119 in southern El Paso County was assisting a stranded driver. The trooper had parked their vehicle with flashing lights and was setting up traffic cones when a semi-truck sideswiped the patrol car. Thankfully, no injuries occurred.

Sunday, February 16 (Incident 2)
Later that morning, at around 7 a.m., another trooper was managing multiple crash scenes near Northbound I-25 and East Palmer Divide Avenue. Due to icy roads and poor visibility, the trooper was setting up a safety closure when a vehicle rear-ended another car, causing a chain reaction that pushed the vehicles into the patrol car. Again, no injuries were reported.

The Dangers of Speeding in Winter Conditions

CSP Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard emphasized the need for drivers to adjust their speed and maintain adequate space between vehicles during adverse weather. “When you drive, you are responsible for adjusting your speed and space between vehicles based on real-time conditions,” said Packard.

Emergency responders, including CSP troopers and tow truck drivers, often face dangerous conditions while working to keep roadways clear and traffic flowing. These professionals risk their lives to ensure public safety, and reckless driving only makes their jobs more perilous.

Move Over, Slow Down: A Crucial Safety Reminder

Colorado law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other roadside workers. Failure to comply with this law endangers lives and leads to avoidable accidents like the ones witnessed over the weekend.

Col. Packard reminded drivers that safe driving is a shared responsibility. “When you drive, you have their lives in your hands. Drive accordingly – slow down and move over.”

Winter Driving Tips for Safety

To prevent such incidents, drivers should adhere to the following tips:

• Adjust Your Speed: Drive slower than usual in snowy or icy conditions.
• Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and others to allow ample reaction time.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to avoid losing control.
• Keep Headlights On: Ensure your headlights are on, even during the day, for better visibility.
• Move Over for Emergency Vehicles: Reduce speed and change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

Conclusion

The series of crashes involving Colorado State Patrol troopers serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of speeding and reckless driving during winter conditions. Drivers must take accountability for their actions on the road and prioritize the safety of everyone, including emergency responders working to keep roads clear.

Let these incidents serve as a wake-up call: slow down, stay vigilant, and always move over for emergency vehicles.

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