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1 killed in crash on I-70 near Eisenhower Tunnel

The crash shut down the eastbound lanes for hours.

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. — The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed for hours at the Silverthorne exit after a fatal crash near the Eisenhower Tunnel. 

According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the call came in at 12:03 p.m. of a collision between a box truck and a semi-truck. 

CSP said the semi was going slowly uphill with its hazard lights on when a box truck came up behind it and the driver swerved to avoid the semi. 

The passenger side of the box truck crashed into the back of the semi, killing a 55-year-old man from Renton, Washington at the scene. 

State Patrol said the crash is under investigation and no citations have been issued. The driver of the box truck was not speeding, according to CSP.  

The eastbound lanes were closed for more than seven hours. 

Eastbound traffic was diverted to Loveland Pass via U.S. 6 during the closure.

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Credit: CDOT

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Tips for safe driving

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) provides these tips for safe driving in Colorado: 

  • Expect the unexpected 

  • Slow down 

  • Don't tailgate 

  • Be aware of emergency crews 

  • Heed signs 

  • Obey flaggers 

  • Stay alert and minimize distractions 

  • Keep with the traffic flow 

  • Plan your drive 

  • Be patient and stay calm 

It is also important to be aware of emergency vehicles. 

Colorado's Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane when there’s an emergency situation along the shoulder. If the driver can’t move over, they must slow down significantly to avoid an accident.  

The law was implemented in 2005 and strengthened in 2020. A CDOT news release states: "The updated law stipulates that if a driver is unable to move at least one lane away from the stationary emergency vehicle, the driver must slow down to at least 25 miles per hour on roadways with a speed limit below 45 miles per hour. On roadways with speed limits 45 miles per hour or more, motorists must slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Drivers that fail to slow down or move over commit the crime of careless driving, a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense that can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300." 

CDOT recommends people check COtrip.org to find out about road conditions, construction zones, and traffic alerts. 

9NEWS also provides traffic updates and alerts through the 9NEWS app. 

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