COLORADO State Patrol’s Alamosa Troop will perform a surge operation on Monday, Dec. 26, to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes.
According to CSP Sergeant Kelly Rippe, nationally the heaviest travel days around the Christmas holiday are Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-28.
Based on data from serious crashes on those days taken over the last three years, the CSP Alamosa Troop Office has developed a plan to address the top causal factors in addition to the time and location of the incidents.
In December, weather plays a major role in crashes in the San Luis Valley with most crashes happening on the mountain passes. Looking at the last three years in the SLV, troopers will focus their efforts on impaired driving, lane violations, exceeding lawful and safe speeds, and inattentive driving.
The data show the highest likelihood for these crashes are on US Highway 160, between Monte Vista and the summit of Wolf Creek Pass and between Alamosa to the summit of La Veta Pass. Expect an increased trooper presence west of Monte Vista and east of Alamosa.
“We want everyone to enjoy this holiday season without the tragedy that comes from careless decisions while driving. We ask for everyone to remain alert, focus on driving safely, and not driving if you have been drinking. If you do observe unsafe driving, please report it by calling 911, or *CSP (*277) from your cell phone,” said CSP Captain Nathan Lyons.
Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to lane violations while launching a yearlong campaign called “Stay in Your Lane.” This campaign is designed to remind people to control their lane position based on their current driving environment. This campaign also aims to bring attention to three of the most common and avoidable behaviors that contribute to lane violations: driving aggressively, driving distracted or driving while impaired.