Winter Roads in Colorado are Dangerous: Here’s How to Stay Safe

With 25+ years representing injury victims across Colorado, I’ve seen how one moment of misjudgment on snowy roads can lead to months or years of recovery. In 2025, as winter approaches, it’s vital we understand both the risks and our power to reduce them.

Colorado Crash Trends

• According to Colorado State Patrol data, speeding in winter conditions makes you roughly 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash compared to milder months. (csp.colorado.gov)
• On the heavily traveled mountain corridor of Interstate 70, the highest number of crashes occur in February and March, when snow and ice remain despite lower traffic volumes. (facebook.com)

Key Risk Factors in Winter

• Speeding / driving too fast for conditions: As above, this skyrockets risk.
• Insufficient tire traction: Worn or summer tires on cold, slick roads lose grip.
• Reduced visibility & unexpected hazards: Snow, ice, glare, steep grades.
• Complacency: “I’ve done this before” turns into “I didn’t adjust” or “I didn’t leave enough space.”
• Motorcycle conditions: Cold rubber, shaded pavement, snowmelt refreeze — all increase risk.

Winter Vehicle Safety Checklist

For All Cars & Trucks

Make sure your vehicle has:

• Winter or all-weather tires with at least 3/16” depth of tread
• Tire pressure set for cold temperatures
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables or jump pack
• Roadside flares or reflectors
• Blanket or insulated thermal wrap
• Gloves, hat, hand warmers
• Cell phone charger + battery pack
• Water + calorie-dense snacks
• First aid kit
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Small shovel
• Windshield washer fluid
• Tire chains or an approved alternate traction device (see below)

For Motorcyclists

If you choose to ride, you need:

• Heated jacket liner, gloves, socks, grips
• Clear visor with anti-fog treatment
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• Handguards & windscreens
• Waterproof outer layers
• Spare base layers in a dry compression bag recommended

Colorado Traction & Chain Law Update

From September 1 to May 31 on the I-70 mountain corridor (Dotsero to Morrison), Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law is active and can be enforced at any time.

You must have one of the following:

• AWD/4WD with 3/16″ tread and M+S, All-Weather, or Mountain-Snowflake tires
• OR (if you drive 2WD): tire chains or an approved alternate traction device (ATD) must be carried, even if you’re running winter tires

When conditions worsen, Colorado can activate the Chain Law, requiring all vehicles (including AWD) to use chains or approved ATDs.

Fines:

• $50 + surcharge for violating traction law
• Higher fines if you spin out or block the roadway due to inadequate traction

If you’re driving into the mountains in winter — especially in a 2WD vehicle — carry chains or approved ATDs and make sure your tires meet the rating and tread requirements. Read more about Colorado Chain Law on the CO State Patrol website.

If You Crash or Get Stranded

• Call 911
• Stay inside the vehicle if you’re near traffic
• Run the engine intermittently for heat, 15 minutes at a time to conserve fuel
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. If the tailpipe is blocked by snow or slush, carbon monoxide can back up into the cabin. This is one of the biggest winter-stranding dangers.
• Use hazard lights and reflectors

If you’re in a relatively safe area (e.g., just off a busy urban road, close to a clearly visible, open building) and conditions are not extreme, carefully moving to a nearby safe location can be reasonable.

But in traffic, a snowstorm, low-visibility conditions, or remote highway scenarios, staying in the vehicle is the best advice. Denver officials say that six people have died this year after they experienced car trouble, exited their vehicle, and were struck.

Legal & Insurance Implications

When a crash happens on icy or snow-covered roads, determining liability still follows the same rules of negligence: Did the driver act as a reasonable person would under those conditions? In winter, the standard of “reasonable” demands more caution.

Even if weather is a factor, it doesn’t relieve a driver of the duty to adapt to conditions. Good preparation becomes both safer and smart.

For free legal advice after a crash, call or text 303-388-5304.

Winter is coming to Colorado. Be ready.

I’m Scott O’Sullivan. With over 25 years helping injured people in Denver, I’ve seen how a single winter crash upends people’s lives.

• Slow down when it’s snowy
• Leave extra space
• Clear all snow & ice off your car
• Make sure your tires, lights, and emergency supplies are in check

Motorcyclists: if roads are slick, your safest ride might be … not riding.

Read more tips and what to do in the event of a crash here: link

Call or text 303-388-5304 if you’re hurt in a winter-related crash. You deserve a lawyer who knows your name.