GOLDEN, Colo. — If you’re driving through the mountains this weekend, be prepared to see a few extra troopers.
Colorado State Patrol is running an enforcement campaign throughout the month of May, with a special focus on commercial motor vehicles in Jefferson and Clear Creek counties.
“In that area, there are a lot of mountains,” said CSP Sgt. Blake White. “There are some curves, there are some steep grades and it’s a big safety concern for us when vehicles are coming through that area.”
“Our troopers are looking for any traffic violations, anything that’s unsafe that they need to stop these drivers for, whether they give them a warning or cite them for it,” White added.
Last month, four people were killed along Interstate 70 in Lakewood by a semi-truck driver heading eastbound out of the mountains.
According to the arrest affidavit for the driver, Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos, he told investigators his brakes failed prior to the crash. Prosecutors said Aguilera-Mederos’ estimated speed along I-70 was in excess of 85 mph.
Aguilera-Mederos remains in custody and was charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving and assault.
CSP said the new enforcement campaign was not a response to the crash on I-70 and that it was planned before that happened. But the public’s response to the extra enforcement has been positive, White said.
“People that drive that area every day have made mention of it, they're very appreciative of the efforts,” he said. “Obviously it’s not only semis that create issues in that area, so overall I think they're just happy to see the enforcement out there.”
Friday night, CSP said troopers stopped 98 trucks and issued 50 tickets just this week.
“Just be cautious when you’re driving in the mountains,” Sergeant White said. “This isn’t just semis. This is cars that are traveling out there as well. Don’t coast down the highways, keep it in a lower gear, just be careful of your driving, watch out for other drivers, and enjoy the mountains.”
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