ADVICE -Pending Snow Storm
The Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Transportation would like to provide some friendly advice in advance of a second major snow storm heading into our state tomorrow. Here are some pointers:

* If approved, motorists should try to leave work early to get to a safe place, off the roadway, before the storm peaks.

* If road conditions deteriorate quickly, CDOT and CSP may put a chain law in effect for semi-trucks and/or all commercial vehicles including 16 or more passenger buses and vans. Operators of these vehicles should be prepared and carry chains with them in their vehicle in anticipation.

* Motorists should look for parking lots or other areas off the roadway to store their vehicle should conditions be such that they can no longer travel. Vehicle owners should notify, and if possible seek permission from, appropriate businesses if their vehicle is abandoned in their parking lot. In the case that abandoned vehicles must be relocated, CDOT will try to move them to a safe spot nearby. However, should a vehicle require a tow to a more distant location, the appropriate law enforcement agency will coordinate this effort and vehicle owners will be required to pay private tow company rates.

* If your vehicle is abandoned and given a Red Tag by the State Patrol, you will have up to 48 hours to remove your car before the CSP considers towing it.

* Motorists should remember:
- To carry plenty of windshield wiper fluid as liquid de-icers may stick to your windshield.
- Let the snowplow drivers do their jobs by giving them extra room.
- Slow down! Even roads that have been treated with liquid de-icers may be slippery.
- Have a scraper, snow brush, coat, hat, gloves, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, tire chains, matches and nonperishable food in your car.
- Make sure your tires have a good snow tread.

* Current road and weather conditions are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via reports and traffic cameras on the www.cotrip.org web site. The same road condition information is available over the phone by calling 303-639-1111, or toll-free outside the metro area 877-315-ROAD.

Sgt. Jeff Goodwin