Fall leaf traffic leads to increased road rage incidents in Park County

DENVER (KDVR) — As you head out to see the aspen leaves change colors in the mountains, one sheriff’s office wants to make sure you keep a cool head when you get stuck in leaf-peeping traffic.

“Every year on the weekends they come out here to come look at the changing leaves,” said Sgt. Nathan Robison of the Park County Sheriff’s Office.

And this year, Robison said Highway 285, Kenosha Pass and Guanella Pass are more crowded than he’s seen in years.

“Last year we had a freeze early on that kind of tapered down the leaves, but this year it’s stayed around a lot longer,” said Robison.

A bigger volume of cars means more traffic backups, and more backups mean more frustration.

“It’s usually people darting in and out of traffic, so they’ll try and pass in no-passing zones,” said Robison. “They’ll speed and tailgate. They’ll try and run people off the side of the road just to get ahead of them.”

Robison said it isn’t just reckless driving he’s responded to, either. At least one accident was caused by a driver trying to pass a car that stopped for a view.

“Ran up the tire of an illegally parked car and rolled on its side,” said Robison.

He said the sheriff’s office is already stretched thin, and having to answer calls like this put them even further behind, especially in that bad traffic.

“It can take upwards of two hours for one of us to get somewhere,” said Robison.

He encourages people to come and see the leaves, but just asks that you do so calmly.

“Just have some patience. You’re probably going to be stuck behind traffic. Don’t let things get to you,” said Robison.

He also suggests if you are coming out to check out the leaves that you leave home a little early, plan accordingly for some extra traffic and even pack some snacks if you do get stuck on the road for a while.

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