STATEWIDE — The Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorists to watch out for maintenance crews performing the perennial task of mowing vegetation along highways. For the remainder of the summer and into the coming fall months, the traveling public will encounter crews with large mowing equipment used to manage and cut high grass and other plants that grow along the sides of the roads.

Mowing equipment moves at a slower rate than the speed limit. Warning signs are posted at both ends of the operations to caution motorists to slow down.

“For drivers’ safety and for our workers’ safety, we ask travelers pay attention, lower their speed and be patient as they approach crews and moving equipment,” said CDOT Maintenance Foreman, Phillip Bergt. “If the operations are encountered on a two-lane road, never pass unless it is safe and legal within a passing zone with no oncoming traffic.”

There are several benefits to mowing that help keep a safe driving environment on highways. By cutting high grass and other vegetation, clear sight distances can be maintained for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and even animals.

“When grass grows too high you simply can’t see who or what could be on the side of the road. That could be someone walking, riding their bike or a parked car. And it is very common for wildlife to unexpectedly run into the highway,” added Bergt.

Keeping vegetation cut low to the ground also helps control the spread of noxious weeds and reduces the risk of grass fires.