Colorado state lawmakers are targeting commercial truckers in their hope to reduce winter traffic jams on I-70, and critics argue that they are focusing on the wrong group of drivers.

The winter season often turns I-70 into a parking lot, particularly in the mountainous areas. While vacationers and weather conditions contribute to the congestion, lawmakers at the state Capitol are pointing their fingers at experienced commercial truckers as the main culprits.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Sen. Dylan Roberts

• Sen. Perry Will

• Rep. Elizabeth Velasco

• Rep. Rick Taggart

According to Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat and bill sponsor, many of the accidents in recent winters have been caused by semis speeding in the left lane while attempting to pass other cars. He claims that these accidents are completely avoidable. As a result, SB24-100 is now being considered at the state Capitol, proposing several new mandates to alleviate traffic jams on this crucial commercial route.

The proposals include:

• Making it illegal for commercial vehicles to drive in the left passing lane of I-70 between Morrison and Glenwood Springs

• Requirements for traction devices, such as chains for trucks and all-wheel drive for passenger cars, would be extended to any federal or state highway west of I-25

• Speed limits would be lowered, and fines would be doubled for semi-trucks speeding through narrow zones of Glenwood Canyon.

• Grant port of entry officers the authority to enforce the state's winter traction law.

However, critics argue that there is a major loophole in the bill that allows commercial vehicles to use the left lane if they are passing a vehicle traveling below the speed limit, which is a common occurrence on mountain passes.

The Colorado Motor Carriers Association, representing the state's commercial trucking industry, is not pleased with the bill due to its burdensome requirements.

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Greg Fulton, President of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, expressed the need for a more thorough analysis before taking such action. He believes that further study is necessary to fully understand the implications of the proposed measures. Fulton's concerns reflect the industry's worries about the potential impact of these regulations on commercial truckers.

Lawmakers' focus on commercial truckers as the primary cause of winter traffic jams on I-70 has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the bill fails to address the issue of out-of-state drivers who may be unfamiliar with mountainous roads and contribute to congestion.