CDOT, CSP, FHWA, NHTSA and Brighton Fire highlight Colorado’s leadership in Traffic Incident Management, unveil new Crash Protection Trucks

CDOT, CSP, FHWA, NHTSA and Brighton Fire highlight Colorado's leadership in Traffic Incident Management, unveil new Crash Protection Trucks Oct. 20, 2026 - Denver Metro/Central Colorado - New neon green trucks will protect responders and motorists on Denver interstates 24/7 https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/october-2026-news/co-traffic-incident-management-unveil-crash-protection-trucks https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png

News Release

Oct. 20, 2026 - Denver Metro/Central Colorado - New neon green trucks will protect responders and motorists on Denver interstates 24/7

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Denver - The Colorado Department of Transportation joined the Colorado State Patrol, Federal Highway Administration, Brighton Fire Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today to highlight Colorado's emergence as a leader in Traffic Incident Management, a program that helps protect first responders and reduce secondary crashes. CDOT also unveiled its new Crash Protection Trucks, which motorists will start to see on Denver interstates 24/7.

These new neon green Crash Protection Trucks include large arrow boards signaling motorists to move over and include an attenuator at the back of the truck designed to take the brunt of the impact should a motorist enter into an incident scene. These trucks will not only protect first responders responding to incidents, but they will also protect equipment needed to save lives. It can take a fire department up to four years to replace a fire engine after it is struck while responding to an incident.

CDOT's new neon green Incident Response truck equipped with a digital message board with important messaging to alert drivers of what is ahead and an impact attenuator.

"Everyone who works on our roadways deserves to go home safe at the end of their shift," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "These Crash Protection Trucks, paired with our expanded Incident Response team, add a critical layer of protection for first responders and the traveling public. We already saw this firsthand on Saturday, Oct. 10, when a motorist was about to enter a crash scene and instead hit one of our Crash Protection Trucks. The truck worked exactly how it was designed and protected our first responders tending to the scene."

Vehicle crashed into one of CDOT's new Crash Protection Trucks with a fixed attenuator on Saturday, Oct. 10.

"Traffic Incident Management is critically important to saving lives," said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. "We're excited to see CDOT launch its new Crash Protection Trucks that will keep first responders safe. We will continue to work with CDOT to encourage the use of tools, techniques and training to prevent first responder fatalities."

Secondary crashes can be deadly. TIM trains first responders to clear crashes quickly, reducing the likelihood of another crash. Colorado has advanced new policies to strengthen that training, including requiring new police officers to complete TIM training before they hit the roads. This new requirement will begin in January 2027. More than 80% of Colorado's first responders are now TIM trained, and CDOT and CSP continue outreach to increase participation. When responders are trained, motorists see quicker clearances and responders are safer.

"Five years ago, the Colorado State Patrol made an investment in our members, setting a goal that every trooper become nationally certified in TIMs," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "We've grown our situational awareness as an agency, prioritized scene safety and regularly talk about how to improve. The introduction of CDOT's Crash Protection Trucks is another positive step forward in reducing vulnerabilities for first responders, crash victims and other roadside workers."

CDOT's new Crash Protection Trucks come as the agency has increased its number of Incident Responders, who support fire, law enforcement and tow companies to help better protect them. Increased staffing now lets CDOT Incident Responders be on the roadway protecting motorists and first responders 24/7.

"Every time our firefighters respond to an incident on a busy roadway, they're exposed to the risk of being struck by passing vehicles," said Brighton Fire Chief Brycen Garrison. "CDOT's new Crash Protection Trucks provide an important layer of protection, allowing our crews to focus on helping those in need while reducing the risk of a secondary crash. We're proud to work alongside CDOT and our public safety partners to make Colorado's roadways safer for everyone."

The new trucks will stand out on Colorado's roadways, building on CDOT's iconic orange trucks. Crash Protection Trucks will first be available on Interstate 25, Interstate 225 and Interstate 70 in Denver before the fleet eventually expands to other regions in Colorado. Motorists should remember: if they see green, avoid the scene.

Reminder: Slow Down, Move Over

Colorado's Move Over law protects everyone working on the roadside. Drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, CDOT vehicle or a vehicle with flashing lights must move over a lane when it is safe to do so or reduce their speed by 20 MPH if it is not possible to move over. Paying attention and giving responders space helps ensure everyone gets home safely.

About CDOT's Division of Maintenance and Operations

The vision of the Division of Maintenance & Operations (DMO) is to create one integrated division. The division focus is on real-time maintenance and operations services, as well as near-term improvement projects. We can best support the crucial work of our five CDOT regions. Our support helps to provide the optimal service and safety for the traveling public in Colorado. CDOT's DMO - we do more than you think.

Download the COtrip Planner App!

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!