SOUTHERN COLORADO — Keeping traffic moving is a high priority for emergency planners during winter weather, and it's not an easy task, especially if there are car accidents at the same time. News 5 spoke with some people who make their living on the roads, to learn about how they plan to stay safe during the snow.
Michelle and Floyd Goss just got to Colorado Springs from Billings, Montana. They are semi truck drivers who haul vehicles and cars. They said they have been watching the weather system move in for the past two days, and may put chains on their tires before they head to their next destination. "If it's too bad, then we just stay here, we have enough food in the truck to last us about three weeks," said Floyd Goss, who is the owner and operator of his truck.
They hope all drivers keep an emergency kit with them, especially in the winter months. Items to bring include blankets, food, water, and jackets, among whatever else one may need if stranded during a storm. Floyd Goss also said he hopes people are ready to share the roads with semi trucks during the snow. "It takes so much longer for us to stop, and if anything happens, that's an 80,000 pound vehicle versus your 2,000 to 2,500 pound car. If we tangle, you're going to lose," said Goss. He said the biggest thing is just to give the trucks ample space.
Those with the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management said because the storm is happening with colder temperatures, the snow may stick around on the roads. The snow plows are already out and working to try and clear the roads, and they will tackle the roads with the highest amount of traffic first. But if an accident happens, "with the large size of our city, there is an opportunity where we may have a lot of our public safety responders out in the field, and it just may take a little bit of time for a response," said Deputy Director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, Kevin Madsen.
If you do have to be out on the roads during the storm, those News 5 spoke with said to take it slow and be patient. Of course, if you do not have to go out, they recommended staying home.
