Here in Pennsylvania and along the northeastern U.S., we've had an insane amount of snow this winter. Recently, the third (or fourth? I've lost count) snow storm of the season blew through, dumping 4-6 inches in my area and more is on the way.
My municipality is good about clearing the roads and keeping them safe, but drivers are careless about the snow on their cars. Leaving snow and ice on top of your car is a danger for other drivers and pedestrians, so it should be cleared off to prevent a potential tragedy.
Chunks of ice can fly off and hit another car, causing a broken windshield or blinding another driver's view, possibly resulting in a crash. Clouds of powdery snow can cause a white-out for those behind you. If you come to a sudden stop with snow on your roof, it can all fall forward and block your windshield — I've seen that happen many times.
Laws are too lenient.
In PA, it's illegal to have snow on the roof of your car when it causes an accident that results in serious bodily injury or death of another driver/passenger or pedestrian. The fine can be upwards of $1,500.
If you're stopped because the police believe the snow/ice accumulation poses a hazard for others, regardless if it breaks off of not, the fine is only $50 for each offense. However, drivers have 24 hours to remove the snow after the weather event ends, which by then it's usually fallen off anyway on cars which have been driven and warmed up—so what's the point of that law?
To me, $50 for a first offense is an easy punishment. But a second offense needs to result in a heftier fine, because this issue has become all too common. Other state's laws are similar, in terms of low-cost fines for snow obstructing your view, but it's safe to say most police probably can't be bothered pulling people over for it unless it looks like a serious hazard.
This particular driver I found takes the cake. I witnessed them pull in with snow covering not just their roof, but the hood and down over the headlights. The driver was maybe between 30-40 years old and didn't appear to have any physical limitations. Come on, there is no excuse not to at least wipe the headlights clean.
Excuses, excuses.
The excuse that an SUV or pickup truck is too tall to reach is not acceptable, unless of course the person has a disability. I'm 5'2" and stand inside the doorframe to reach up (but be extremely careful not to slip). There are even elongated snow removal brushes and brooms designed for this purpose; there's also ones made of soft foam so it won't scratch your car.
I understand if someone has a disability and the elderly who aren't able to properly remove the snow, but most of the time I see young-middle aged people driving like this. It boils down to being careless, and it needs to stop. If you're physically able, it's not hard to clear snow off a car. Please always take the extra time before you head out; it keeps everyone safer on the road.
This has been a public service announcement:
Please clear the snow off your car roof.
Drive safe.
Join In
Comments (24)
I’ve only seen this on 2 cars, and once a bunch of snow fell of a car on the highway and landed on another cars windshield
That's quite scary. I imagine there's been accidents caused from others panicking when that happens
Yes. Even where I live were we barely get any snow we got a sizable snowfall (for my area) on Christmas Eve and there were so many cars I saw that were covered with snow. Another big issue is hazard lights when its night and snowy and your trying to see hazard lights can mess with your vision
100%. I live in PA too and this is a chronic problem. Your height (disabilities notwithstanding) is no excuse. It’s your responsibility to manage the vehicle you purchase (I’m looking at you, Suburban drivers who shouldn’t be handling anything bigger than a Corolla). My wife drives a Rav 4, and she’s 4’11 1/2” (she insists on the 1/2”). If I didn’t clean her car off for her (I’m 6’3”), she’d get out a stepladder to do the roof.
Yep, agreed! The stepladder is also very useful for us short people lol If someone is going to buy a taller vehicle, they need to choose a way on how to clean it of snow. There's so many options for sure
Oh, do you measure your height in fractions too?
Got this gift from a truck ahead of me that didn’t clear his roof.
Wow I'm so sorry that happened! Big question - were you able to contact the other driver about this? I feel like that's a huge problem with the law because the other driver can drive off and not know what happened
Yes, thankfully. It was a company truck with a name, number, and “how am i doing” on the back. Took almost a month to get it fixed, but they covered everything. And yes, in Mass it is certainly against the law
I agree entirely. It only takes a few minutes and can save lives!
Thanks for agreeing😊