BETHLEHEM (Nov. 28) – It’s only a matter of time before the snow and ice arrive in the Lehigh Valley.  And if you’ve ever been behind a car or truck covered in snow and ice during the winter, you know how dangerous that can be for motorists on our roadways.  

Leaving snow and ice on your car while driving can be dangerous and fatal to other motorists—and that’s why State Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-18) wants to do something about it.

Boscola reintroduced a bill she has been championing for years that would require drivers to make “all reasonable efforts” to remove accumulated snow or ice from their vehicles before driving. 

“There are drivers on the road who make no effort to remove accumulated ice and snow from the hood, trunk, and roof of their cars before trying to navigate through traffic.  These drivers clearly pose a danger to other motorists when snow or ice is dislodged from their moving vehicle.”

Dislodged snow and ice can strike another vehicle and not only cause damage to that vehicle, but cause the driver of that vehicle to lose control, swerve, and cause an accident, Boscola said.  Pedestrians may also be injured by dislodged snow and ice. 

Boscola’s legislation mirrors a New Jersey law.

“Most drivers don't have to be compelled by law to do what is just common sense—they always clear away the snow and ice from the top of a vehicle before heading out on the road,” Boscola said.  “But too many motorists skip this step because they're in a rush, they're late for work or to pick up the kids, or they just don't think there's any harm to leaving a mound of snow or ice on top of the car.”

The harm occurs when a slab of ice-encrusted snow flies off when the vehicle is in motion, causing a motorist who is following or passing to lose control, she said.

“That’s when tragedies can be created in a split second,” Boscola said.  “That’s all it takes for a chunk of ice or snow to fly off a car or truck into the windshield of another vehicle.” 

If a law enforcement officer believes that the accumulated ice or snow “may pose a threat to persons or property,” a driver would be subjected to a fine of between $25 and $75 for each offense under Boscola’s bill.  Fines for drivers of commercial vehicle would be between $200 and $1,000.  If the dislodged snow or ice caused personal injury or property damage, the fine could range from between $1,000 to $1,500, Boscola said.

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