Steamboat Springs Police Department

08/30/2026

Along with the rise of e-devices come some of the same unsafe and high-risk behaviors that drivers have struggled with, like avoiding distractions. The temptation to multitask or use technology can impact a rider's ability to focus on what’s ahead and reduce physical control of their e-device. Here's some advice from Colorado State Patrol and SSPD on how to stay connected to your environment:

🚗 Pull over before using your phone.
Even a few seconds of inattention can erase your reaction time.

🚗 Mount your phone securely.
If navigation is necessary, use a handlebar mount and glance only when stationary.

🚗 Keep both hands on the bars.
Maintain full control of your e-device. Swerving or braking becomes incredibly difficult without both hands available.

🚗 Avoid full-cover headphones.
Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, especially in both ears. Remain fully aware of approaching vehicles, pedestrians and traffic sounds around you.

🚗 Prioritize visibility.
Use lights, reflectors and light clothing. Ensure you’re seen even when others aren’t paying attention.

08/28/2026

Episode 3 of CDOT's video series that explains several new and existing laws drivers should know.

Passing Cyclists — Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. When necessary and safe, drivers are allowed to cross a double yellow line to provide adequate clearance. If it is not safe to move over, then drivers must slow down and safely stay behind bicyclists.

Cyclists & Stop Signs/Red Lights — Cyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signs when the intersection is clear and it is safe to proceed. At red lights, cyclists must come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the intersection is clear.

Using Crosswalks — Pedestrians should always use crosswalks when crossing the street and avoid crossing mid-block. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and use extra caution, especially in low-light conditions when visibility is reduced.

Roundabout Rules — When large vehicles such as buses or commercial trucks are in a roundabout, other traffic must yield to allow them adequate space. Drivers approaching a roundabout must also yield to traffic already circulating, which comes from the left.

Watch this video to learn about some Colorado laws pertaining how t...

08/27/2026

The City of Steamboat Springs will discontinue its relationship with Flock Safety and immediately suspend the use of six fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras.

After hearing directly from the community, along with conversations with city and police leadership, the city plans to end its contract with Flock Safety and will immediately deactivate the six fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras. https://tinyurl.com/5b7rt6v4

08/27/2026

Hope you’ll stop by tomorrow to celebrate the start of the school year with the community! Come connect with neighbors and learn about your School Resource Officers. We’d love to see you!

08/26/2026

The “Road Laws” series includes three videos, each focused on a different set of laws. To make that information easier to access, the Colorado Department of Transportation has released a video series that explains several new and existing laws drivers should know.

Left Lane Is for Passing — Colorado law requires drivers to keep right unless actively passing another vehicle. Driving slowly in the left lane can cause congestion, aggressive driving and dangerous passing behavior.

Move Over Law — Drivers must slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicle on the side of the road with their hazard lights on. This includes stopped emergency, maintenance or tow vehicles displaying. The law is designed to protect first responders, roadside workers and civilians who are vulnerable to passing traffic. If you can’t safely move over, slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit on highways. On all other roads, slow down to 25 mph or less in a 40 mph zone and at least 20 mph in a 45 mph or higher zone.

Motorcycle Lane Filtering — Motorcyclists in Colorado are allowed to pass stopped vehicles by slowly traveling between lanes such as when traffic is stopped behind a red signal light. Motorcyclists cannot lane split, which involves riding between lanes of moving traffic, which is very dangerous. This video clarifies when lane filtering is legal and what both drivers and motorcyclists should expect to keep everyone safe.

Watch this video to learn about some Colorado lane laws that exist ...

08/26/2026

Thank you to everyone in the community who attended the Civic Connections session hosted by SSPD. If you were not able to make the presentation, you can view it on the city's YouTube channel.

By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News.   Centennial Hall was full Tuesday night, of those wanting to hear about, and voice their opinions on, Flock Safety Technology and Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR). The Civic Connections

08/25/2026

Join us tonight for Civic Connections!

Curious about how Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology is used in Steamboat Springs? Join the Steamboat Springs Police Department at 5 PM this evening at Centennial Hall for an open conversation about the technology.

SSPD will explain how ALPR works, what information is collected, how data is managed and the policies and safeguards that guide its use. The session will also include examples of how ALPR has assisted with local cases involving stolen vehicles, missing persons, hit-and-runs and felony warrants.

Most importantly, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

https://bit.ly/4y1nRmb

08/24/2026

The “Road Laws” series includes three videos, each focused on a different set of laws. To make that information easier to access, the Colorado Department of Transportation has released a video series that explains several new and existing laws drivers should know.

Today, we look at:

Hands-Free Law — As of 2024, it’s illegal to hold your phone — or any electronic device — while driving. This includes making phone calls, texting, emailing and scrolling. Hands-free accessories and phone mounts are permitted.

Expressed Consent Law — Drivers in Colorado automatically consent to a breath or blood test if suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Refusing a test can result in license revocation among other penalties.

Traction Law — During certain winter weather conditions, drivers must meet traction or chain requirements. These rules help prevent crashes, closures and backups during storms.

Watch this video to learn about some newer, maybe more unique laws ...

08/22/2026

🐻 Bears are on the food hunt — and so are we for ways to prevent conflicts.

Bear-human interactions are at record levels, and as bears search for food, unsecured garbage, pet food and other attractants can quickly turn into a problem.

Help keep bears wild and our community safer:
• Secure trash and recycling
• Bring pet food inside
• Clean outdoor grills
• Don’t leave food or coolers unattended
• Be aware of your surroundings as bears around at all times of the day

A fed bear is more likely to return. Do your part to keep bears wild and out of trouble. 🐻

As Colorado’s extreme drought impacts black bears’ natural food sources, reports of human-bear interactions for the first 7.5 months of 2026 have already surpassed the total incidents last year — with bear activity only just...

08/21/2026

Colorado State Patrol and SSPD talk about the dangers of distracted driving all the time. But not everyone is convinced.

Distracted driving has become normalized, yet first responders see the real consequences. A quick glance at your phone can mean missing critical visual cues and those seconds can change everything.

At 50 mph, one second of distraction means traveling more than 73 feet without seeing what’s happening ahead. At 75 mph, it’s 110 feet. That’s a lot of ground covered while essentially driving blind.

Using your phone or other device behind the wheel isn’t worth the risk. It can cost lives, cause serious crashes and even cost you your freedom.

Seconds matter. Keep your eyes up and your attention on the road.