Highway’s 2006 crash total has already been surpassed as winter driving season approaches
When the weather gets colder, drivers may want to avoid Highway 93.
The highway, which is often shut down in inclement weather, is tricky to drive on in winter.
“The biggest problem is visibility,” said Stacey Stegman, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation. “Blowing, drifting snow comes onto the highway and makes it hard to see.”
Blowing snow also makes plowing the highway nearly impossible. When the plows go over the highway, the snow blows right back on it. This doesn’t mean CDOT will not plow Highway 93. CDOT plows every road, starting with the high traffic areas, and especially interstates.
Highway 93 also shuts down when accidents occur or there are stranded cars. In winter, CDOT will close the highway before too many cars pile up.
“Last year there were 19 total crashes,” said Trooper Ryan Sullivan, of the Colorado State Patrol. “This year there have already been 20 total crashes.”
The problem with Highway 93 is the terrain, Stegman said. The terrain, on which the highway is built, is similar to the eastern plains where snow will just blow onto it.
CU students familiar with driving on Highway 93 suggest drivers take alternate routes in winter.
“If you don’t have snow tires, don’t even attempt it during the winter,” said Ruth Steinmetz, a sophomore English major.
Lance Sheriff, a freshman music education major, agrees.
“When Highway 93 gets wet, its one of the scariest roads in Colorado,” said Sheriff.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Aaron Musick at aaron.musick@thecampuspress.com.
Post your comments below on how you get around Highway 93 when it’s snowing.
