GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) — With the onset of the road construction season comes an increase in vehicular traffic. Despite efforts from the state to reduce fatalities in roadway work zones, Colorado Department of Transportation employees report that motorists are failing to slow down or change lanes as required.
Jason Smith, the Regional Transportation Director for CDOT, stated that Colorado saw 684 traffic deaths in 2024. He mentioned that the aim is to lower this figure significantly in the coming years.
Smith pointed out that drivers are growing increasingly aggressive, disregarding speed limits, and failing to provide adequate space when passing. Workers alongside the road concur, mentioning they must remain highly vigilant of their environment while performing their duties.
“It scares you when you’re cruising along and performing your duties, and suddenly someone zooms right past you when they could have simply slowed down and moved aside,” explained Ryan Smith, CDOT Mechanic.
Ryan Smith works as a heavy equipment mechanic for CDOT’s District 3. Frequently found beside major roadways such as Interstate-70, he specializes in repairing malfunctioning machinery.
We frequently encounter roads lacking shoulders, which makes them quite narrow whenever we undertake a new project,” explained the transportation director. “Additionally, this lack of space becomes even more problematic when our maintenance teams are trying to perform their duties while keeping traffic flowing.
Speed limits and ‘cone zones’ are established to ensure safety for both workers and drivers.
“The highways we take care of are the very same ones where my family rides daily. They’re the routes I picture when thinking about my wife driving our two children,” elaborated Ryan Smith.
The mechanic mentioned that despite the fact that the job can sometimes be unsettling, it still must be completed, and it requires everybody to contribute their share.
“Our patrols ensure safety on these roads, and we kindly request from the public to assist our safety by shifting lanes and reducing speed,” he stated.
CDOT authorities advise motorists to reduce speed, make room, and responsibly share the roads. Each year, CDOT along with the Colorado State Patrol join forces to initiate safety campaigns aimed at informing the public about state regulations. This partnership strives to develop more secure thoroughfares for drivers as well as those who maintain and ensure their safety.
