Expect increased traffic, danger on mountain roads as leaves change

DENVER (KDVR) — If you plan to cruise to look at the fall leaves in the mountains this weekend, you are not alone. In fact, the Colorado Department of Transportation expects increased traffic lasting throughout the season, urging drivers to plan accordingly.

Fall leaves in some mountain areas are starting to reach peak colors this weekend. While it makes for a beautiful sight, CDOT and Colorado State Patrol remind leaf-peepers of the dangers on roads in the high country.

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“Colorado traditionally sees a steady volume of in-state and out-of-state visitors throughout the autumn ‘shoulder season’ for premier hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and scenic ‘leaf peeping’ drives,” CSP said in a release.

Drivers can expect increased traffic in the high country over the next couple of months, particularly on the weekends. CDOT said that increased traffic also increases the danger.

CSP said in a press release Friday that its troopers investigated 21 deadly crashes in September and October in the high country last year. A majority of those crashes, CSP said, were caused by drivers traveling outside of their lane, including dangerous or illegal passing, and careless driving.

“Whether driving too fast for the winding roads or being distracted behind the wheel when a driver crosses into an adjacent lane or hits debris on the shoulder, the results can end in tragedy,” Maj. Brett Williams with CSP said. “Drivers can ensure a safe trip by appreciating the responsibility of being the designated driver on this trip. Stay focused on the road, be patient in heavy traffic, and leave space between you and the vehicles ahead.”

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Leaf-peeping safety tips

CDOT said drivers and photo-takers along the roadways need to look out for each other, and offered these safety tips for leaf-peepers:

• Be aware of vehicles traveling at slower speeds

• Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadway and parked on the side of the road

• Find a safe, designated area to park

• Be aware of pedestrians as people will be out of their vehicles, often taking photos

Additionally, there will still be construction projects going on through the fall. CDOT offers these safety tips for work areas:

• Do not speed in work zones

• Expect the unexpected

• Watch for construction

• Dont use mobile devices

• Dont unnecessarily change lanes

• Turn on headlights so workers and drivers can see you

• Expect delays

• Anticipate lane shifts

• Be patient

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Drivers can find information and tips on navigating various mountain conditions, like steep turns and blind corners, as well as virtual guides for byways on the CSP website.

“We want you to enjoy your view without becoming a hazard behind the wheel or leaving an obstacle taking up a portion of a needed lane,” Williams said.

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Know before you go

Be sure to check the forecast before you hit the road. You can also find road conditions, road closures, traffic speeds and more on CDOT’s COtrip tool.

If you are looking for a place to take a drive or a hike, see FOX31’s lists of scenic drives for fall leaves within an hour and a half of Denver and hikes to see fall leaves within an hour of Denver.

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