Be a smart leaf peeper 

 The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to plan on additional traffic in the high country, especially over the next few weekends, as people head out to see the fall colors. Mountain roads see increased traffic when the aspens begin turning red and gold, so drivers and those taking photos outside of their vehicles and walking along roadways need to watch out for each other.  

Tips for driving along roads and highways this fall:  

• Beware of other vehicles that may be traveling at lower speeds.  
• Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadways, and vehicles parked on the roadside. 
• Find safe, designated areas to park. 
• Drivers be aware of pedestrians! People will be out of their vehicles, often taking photos.    

• Pedestrians should be extremely diligent and watch out for passing vehicles. 

Leaf peeping season also is a good time to explore one of Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways. Leaf peepers are encouraged to visit www.COtrip.org to see where all of the Scenic and Historic Byways are and learn fun facts, estimated drive times, key attractions, route length and more! Plan your route ahead of time by clicking on the Scenic Byways layer on the Layers menu on both COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner App. 

CDOT also reminds drivers that highway work zones are possible, even on weekends. Although most projects shut down for the weekend, some may take advantage of favorable fall weather to continue construction activities before winter weather stops work until the spring.