CSP -
The Valentine Weekend winter storm impacted hundreds of travelers across Colorado, beginning Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16. In addition to difficult driving conditions, congested mountain corridors and traffic delays due to road closures from crashes, troopers responded to seven fatal crashes with eight deaths and four additional individuals sustaining serious injuries. Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol says, "When driving in winter driving conditions, we want folks to take the warnings from law enforcement, department of transportation and the news meteorologists seriously. This weekend has left dozens of families with broken hearts. Winter conditions require drivers to reduce their speed, increase their stopping distances and use extra caution. Quick maneuvers won't work in winter conditions." There were fatal crashes in counties in Colorado over the Valentine’s Day weekend, including Elbert, Park, Archuleta, Garfield, Fort Carson and 2 in Adams county.
*Four Colorado State Troopers struck in three days: Although no longer "early in the winter driving season," Colorado drivers struggled to adjust their driving behavior and reduce their speed, causing numerous traffic snarls and crashes. As Colorado State Troopers, responded to assist a stranded motorist and handle traffic crashes, on four separate incidents a secondary crash occurred when drivers failed to slow down or move over. The 4 State Patrol cars hit at various spots across Colorado. The first was on Friday, 2/14, at I-25 at Academy, the next on Saturday (2/15) on I-70 between Rifle and Glenwood Springs. The next 2 were Sunday (2/16) at I-25 and MM119 & northbound I-25 at East Palmer Divide Avenue. Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol stated, "When you drive you are responsible for adjusting your speed and space between vehicles based on real-time conditions. Emergency responders, tow truck drivers are out there in miserable conditions, to keep our roadway users safe and get traffic flowing. When you drive, you have their lives in your hands. Drive accordingly - slow down and move over."