Model Traffic Code for Colorado

 Part 11 – Speed Regulations

 (1)  No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.

(2)  Except when a special hazard exists that requires a lower speed, the following speeds shall be lawful:

(a)  Twenty miles per hour on narrow, winding mountain highways or on blind curves;

(b)  Twenty-five miles per hour in any business district, as defined in section42-1- 102(11), C.R.S.;

(c)  Thirty miles per hour in any residence district, as defined in section 42-1-102(80), C.R.S.;

(d) Forty miles per hour on open mountain highways;

(e)  Forty-five miles per hour for all single rear axle vehicles in the business of transporting trash that exceed twenty thousand pounds, where higher speeds are posted, when said vehicle is loaded as an exempted vehicle pursuant to section 507 (3);

(f)  Fifty-five miles per hour on other open highways which are not on the interstate system, as defined in section 43-2-101 (2), C.R.S., and are not surfaced, four-lane freeways or expressways;

(g)  Sixty-five miles per hour on surfaced, four-lane highways which are on the interstate system, as defined in section 43-2-101 (2), C.R.S., or are freeways or expressways;

(h)  Any speed not in excess of a speed limit designated by an official traffic control device.

(3)  No driver of a vehicle shall fail to decrease the speed of such vehicle from an otherwise lawful speed to a reasonable and prudent speed when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

 (7) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of subsection (2) of this section, any city or town may by ordinance adopt absolute speed limits as the maximum lawful speed limits in its jurisdiction, and such speed limits shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

(b)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of a maximum lawful speed limit of seventy-five miles per hour.

Let us look at the words “reasonable and prudent”. 

Reasonable is described as: (of a person) having sound judgment; fair and sensible. "no reasonable person could have objected” synonyms: sensible, rational, logical, fair, fair-minded, just, and equitable; as much as is appropriate or fair; moderate. "a police officer may use reasonable force to gain entry” synonyms: within reason, practicable, sensible; 

Prudent is described as: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future. "No prudent money manager would authorize a loan without first knowing its purpose” synonyms: wise, well judged, sensible, politic, judicious, sagacious, sage, shrewd, advisable, well advised

Who is going to determine if your speed was reasonable and prudent?

Your idea of reasonable may not be the same as their idea of reasonable.

Always error on the side of safety and reduce your speed.


Managing Your Space

The Need for Space Ahead

Plan ahead as you drive. Look for spots to use as escape routes. Sideswiping hillsides, rocks, trees, or guardrails may be the best alternative to slow the bus in an emergency. Deer, elk, or other wildlife may suddenly appear in the roadway. The operator’s choices are to swerve or hit the animal. The safer choice is to hit the animal rather than swerving and losing control of the bus. Swerving will place your passengers in greater danger. It is natural to react by swerving, but knowledge of the possible consequences should override that decision.

If faced with a head-on collision, it MAY be a better option because of the size and weight of the bus and the fact that the operator and passengers sit above the impact zone. Swerving may cause the bus to slide out of control and leave the roadway and/or cause the bus to rollover.

You need space ahead in case you must suddenly stop. According to accident reports, the vehicle that trucks and buses most often run into is the one in front of them. The most frequent cause is following too closely. Remember, if the vehicle ahead of you is smaller than yours, it can stop faster than you can. You may crash if you are following too closely.

How Much Space?

How much space should you keep in front of you? One good rule says you need at least one second for each ten feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds, you must add one second for safety. For example, if you are driving a 40-foot vehicle, you should leave 4 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. In a 60-foot rig, you will need 6 seconds. Over 40 mph, you would need 5 seconds for a 40-foot vehicle and 7 seconds for a 60-foot vehicle.

 To know how much space you have, wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a pavement marking, or some other clear landmark. Then count off the seconds like this: “one thousand and-one, one thousand-and-two” and so on, until you reach the same spot. Compare your count with the rule of one second for every ten feet of length. If you are driving a 40-foot, truck and only counted to 2 seconds, you are too close. Drop back a little and count again until you have 4 seconds of following distance (or 5 seconds if you are going over 40 mph). After a little practice, you will know how far back you should be. Remember to add one second for speeds above 40 mph. Also, remember that when the road is slippery, you need much more space to stop. Make sure you know the length, height, width, weight to determine clearances for your vehicle.

Behind - Tailgaters

You cannot prevent other vehicles from following you too closely, however, there are a few things you can do to reduce some of the risk they create.

Slow down

Reduce your speed slowly. By reducing your speed, you reduce risk. If you are traveling at a slower speed, and they want to pass…… let them.

Increase your following distance

When you slow down you should also increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more room to avoid a sudden stop and reduce the possibly of being struck from behind.

Avoid sudden changes

Signal early. Give them time to react if you are turning.

Do Not Play Tricks

Flashing your taillights or applying your brakes suddenly will not do anything but escalate your frustration and increase the possibility of injury to your passengers.

Between Your Vehicle and the Roadway

On occasion, there may be animals and other debris in the roadway. Know how much clearance you have between your vehicle and the roadway. Do not take the chance that you could get your vehicle hung up or worse yet have considerable damage done to your undercarriage. Also, do not attempt to go through floodwaters no matter what the depth, turn around find a different route.

 





Last modified: Saturday, 30 April 2022, 2:31 PM