Cottonwood Canyons sticker program is reducing traffic and accidents this winter

SALT LAKE CITY — A traction sticker system in the Cottonwood Canyons has been key in reducing traffic and accidents on snowy roads, the Utah Department Of Transportation said.

UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons sticker program has been around for a few years, but it’s been quite popular this winter.

“We’ve distributed about 16,000 stickers,” UDOT spokesperson John Gleason said. “So there’s a lot of people that want to get those checks and make sure that their vehicle is properly equipped to navigate the steep slopes and canyon roads.”

Gleason said these stickers, plus increased law enforcement in the canyons, have helped improve safety for everyone.

“That’s made a huge difference this year in terms of preventing some of the slide-offs that we typically see. Also, we haven’t had a very strong winter just yet, and so we’ll see as the season progresses.”

The stickers also help streamline traffic. They reduce the number of tires law enforcement officials have to check when traction laws are in place.

“We have had very busy travel days and we haven’t had the same amount of occurrence of slide-offs and people that are not prepared.”

Stickers are not required to enter the canyons, but they are free and available through February. Find more information on UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons website.