Winter can be a real drag. From frigid temperatures that make our kids resemble bundled-up marshmallows, to school cancellations and towering snow drifts needing shoveling, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. One of the more frustrating winter tasks is digging your car out from under a blanket of snow. Not everyone has the luxury of a garage to protect their vehicle during storms, and scraping ice off your windshield while battling the cold is no picnic. I’ll admit, I’ve sometimes done a half-hearted job before heading out. After all, if I can see out of the front, back, and side mirrors, isn’t that enough?
But here’s the thing: neglecting to fully clear the snow from your vehicle isn’t just inconsiderate; it can also pose serious dangers to you and other drivers. When you’re cruising down the road, especially at high speeds, chunks of snow and ice can break off and become lethal projectiles. These aren’t just isolated incidents; accidents caused by flying snow happen frequently enough that officials are rightly concerned.
“Think of ice as hard as a rock,” says Officer Mark Thompson of the state police. “If your car is going 55 mph and ice flies off, it’s traveling at a similar speed.” The statistics are sobering—over 20 vehicles have been damaged by snow and ice falling off other cars, and the potential for injury or worse is significant.
Tragic events have even spurred lawmakers into action. In Pennsylvania, legislation now imposes fines on drivers if snow or ice from their vehicles causes injuries. This was prompted by the heartbreaking story of Lisa O’Donnell, who lost her life when ice fell from a truck. Similar laws were enacted in other states after similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for everyone to take this issue seriously.
Photographer Jake B. recently shared a harrowing experience when his wife and son were struck by ice that dislodged from a passing vehicle. Although they escaped unharmed, the destruction caused to their car was shocking. “It hit the windshield, and little shards of glass were everywhere,” Jake recounted. “Please take a few minutes to clean your vehicle off. Even a small amount of ice can cause massive damage.”
Unfortunately, not all states enforce strict regulations about snow removal from cars, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration often overlooks these accidents. But regardless of the law, it’s just common courtesy to ensure your vehicle is clear before you hit the road. If you can’t reach the top of your car, grab a ladder or ask a neighbor for assistance. Or, if all else fails, just stay home!
So, please—before you take your car out, make sure it’s free of snow and ice. You might just save a life.
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Summary
Clearing snow and ice off your car before driving is not just a good practice; it’s essential for the safety of you and others on the road. Neglecting this task can lead to serious accidents, and even legal repercussions in certain states. Take the time to fully clear your vehicle—your diligence could save lives.
Keyphrase: snow removal for safety
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