CDOT Safety Patrol Program
Program Overview
CDOT's Safety Patrol program plays a crucial role in the state's Traffic Incident Management (TIM), and is a key aspect of the Division of Maintenance and Operations (DMO). CDOT’s Safety Patrol is a vital program dedicated to improving safety and efficiency on Colorado's roadways. Operated in partnership with local law enforcement and emergency responders, the Safety Patrol provides free roadside assistance, helps clear minor incidents quickly, and supports first responders in managing traffic incidents safely.
These free, limited roadside assistance services include:
- Free Roadside Assistance - Assist stranded motorists with flat tires, jump-starts, emergency fuel and minor mechanical issues.
- Incident Management Support - Aid law enforcement and first responders with traffic control and incident clearance.
- Debris and Hazard Removal - Clear roadway obstructions that pose a danger to drivers.
- Traffic Control and Motorist Alerts - Use emergency lighting and signage to warn drivers of upcoming hazards.
CDOT is proud to offer this service to motorists. To keep you safe and to keep traffic moving, the CDOT Safety Patrol operates on sections of Colorado's highways, including the metro area and the I-70 Mountain Corridor, during peak travel times on weekdays and weekends. The service is free.
Safety Patrol Benefits
- Enhances Responder and Motorist Safety - Reduces risks by clearing incidents quickly and protecting on-scene first responders.
- Reduces Traffic Delays - Keeps traffic moving by minimizing congestion from breakdowns and minor incidents.
- Prevents Secondary Crashes - Alerts drivers to slow down and move over, reducing the risk of additional crashes.
Maintenance & Operations Videos on Youtube
CDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO & Colorado Express Lanes
This collaborative sponsorship aims to create a long-term, supplemental funding source for the Safety Patrol program. Visit safetypatrolinfo.com to learn more about the program and to tell us about your experience with the Safety Patrol.
Disclaimer: The CDOT Safety Patrol program is not authorized to assist in insurance claims.
Front Range Metro CDOT Safety Patrol
Hours of Operation
Weekdays
- 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Peak Period)
- 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Non-Peak Period)
Weekends
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Patrol Areas
Denver Metro
- I-25 South from 120th Avenue (Exit 223) to Arapahoe Road (Exit 197)
- I-70 East from Wadsworth (Exit 269) to Airport Blvd (Exit 285)
- US 6 from Colfax Avenue (US 40) and Kalamath Street
- C-470 from Lincoln Avenue (Exit 193) to Plum Creek Parkway (Exit 181)
- I-25 South from Hampden Avenue (Exit 201) to Lincoln Avenue (Exit 193)
- I-225 from I-25 to I-70
Fort Collins
- I-25 North from Johnstown (Exit 252) to CO 14 (Exit 269)
Colorado Springs
- I-25 South from Garden of the Gods (Exit 146) to South Academy Blvd (Exit 135)
I-70 Mountain Corridor CDOT Safety Patrol & Heavy Tow
CDOT continues to offer this service on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Morrison and Vail to all motorists, including commercial vehicles.
Hours of Operation
- 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday and during significant weather events
Patrol Areas
- I-70 from Morrison (Mile Point 259) to Vail (Mile Point 170)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in a minor incident:
- Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you are in a dangerous area
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers
- Wait for help to arrive
- If in designated patrol areas and coverage hours, a CDOT Safety Patrol vehicle will respond as soon as possible.
- In an emergency, always call 911 first
- All crashes must be reported to law enforcement.
No, Safety Patrol does not have a designated hotline to request assistance. If you are stranded on the road within one of the patrol areas and during the normal hours of operations, our crew will stop and see if they can assist you. In emergencies, always call 911.
The CDOT Safety Patrol operates on high-traffic highways and major roadways throughout Colorado, providing assistance to stranded motorists and helping manage traffic incidents. The program supports roadside safety by assisting drivers during unexpected vehicle breakdowns, traffic incidents and other roadside emergencies throughout Colorado.
DMO works to keep Colorado’s roads safe and open for motorists year-round. These efforts range anywhere from keeping mountain passes open, litter cleanup and making sure Colorado’s transportation infrastructure can withstand environmental hazards, such as rockfalls, mudslides and avalanches.
DMO is also responsible for CDOT’s Traffic Incident Management and Safety Patrol Programs. Through instantaneous maintenance and operational services, as well as near-term improvement projects, DMO plays a crucial role in delivering optimal service and safety for the traveling public in Colorado.
TIM consists of a planned and coordinated multi-disciplinary process to detect, respond to and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible
CDOT initially established the program, formerly known as the Mile High Courtesy Patrol, in 1992. Since then, the Safety Patrol has driven more than five million miles and responded to more than 500,000 incidents. Each year, the Safety Patrol assists over 40,000 motorists.
The CDOT Safety Patrol program provides vital roadside assistance to over 40,000 motorists annually in the Front Range metro area and on the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
Work that Matters
Our maintenance and engineering forces are driven by people, new technologies and a higher purpose to make people’s lives better and save lives. CDOT offers meaningful careers, opportunities for promotion, professional development, competitive pay, great benefits and statewide locations. To learn more about the maintainers who carry out essential day-to-day operations, often unnoticed, check out the DMO YouTube playlist or read the crew’s stories.
We offer a professional work environment with the opportunity for growth and development in your chosen career. Check out career opportunities on our Careers employment page.
