Sightseeing on Colorado's roads comes with often-overlooked safety risk

While driving around Colorado, expect to get a great view of the state's breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife – but know that getting those views does come with a level of risk.

Earlier this month, Colorado State Patrol sent out a reminder to drivers to stop at scenic overlooks to enjoy the views instead of driving distracted or parking on the shoulder of a busy and congested road.

"Many mountain roads are only a single lane in each direction with steep grades and blind curves. A partial lane obstruction is a major hazard," said Major Dave Rollins, District 4 Commander, Colorado State Patrol, in a press release . "If you were distracted enough to pull over on a road with limited or no shoulder, chances are the person behind you or coming toward you could be equally distracted."

The Colorado State Patrol investigated 15 fatal and 62 serious injury crashes related to lane violations on the Western Slope from Memorial Day through Labor Day last year. Troopers found that in many of these crashes, the at-fault driver was driving aggressively or did not have experience with mountain road conditions.

Colorado State Patrol urges visitors to learn the routes they will be driving while visiting the Western Slope. Drivers can prepare themselves to travel Colorado's scenic byways and mountain roadways and learn the common traits of two-lane roads by visiting the Colorado State Patrol's 'Super Cruising in Colorado' website .

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