By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department Varying amounts of snow, combined with temperature fluctuations, results in the melting and re-freezing of snow and ice. With this in mind, it is extremely important to remove excess snow from your vehicles prior to operating. This topic is always brought up to me at this time of the year and I wanted to remind people of the importance of taking this one additional safety step. A few laws on the books can address this situation. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 13 is the law which addresses “impeded” operation. Drivers are not allowed to have anything on or about their vehicle which may interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. This can directly pertain to the removal of snow an ice from windshields. However; even though it is not specifically stated in this law, there may be circumstances where it may apply to snow on vehicle hoods, roof tops, or trunks. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 85 Section 36 addresses the subject of unsecured or unsafe loads transported on the roadways. Flying snow or debris from a vehicle traveling down the road may apply under these circumstances. Both laws carry civil fines and decisions will be made by an officer on a case by case basis. As another reminder, your vehicle’s license plates must also be clearly visible and cleared of snow and debris. It is a separate violation of the law to have an obstructed number plate. The danger lies in not removing this snow in a prompt manner. If it is left in place, it tends to melt and re-freeze which creates an ice sheet. When traveling at higher speeds, such as on a highway, the wind can move under this ice and send it flying off the vehicle. It could then land on or around another vehicle traveling along the road. |
The results of this can be very serious. Despite the damage this may cause to another vehicle, it could have even greater consequences should this land on another vehicle’s windshield. The driver may be unable to see and this could result in an accident. If there is a crash involved, the fact that the snow/ice was not removed prior to the trip could be considered as a negligent act on the part of that driver. Therefore, this person may bear some responsibility for the accident. Please take a few extra minutes to completely remove the snow from your vehicle. This simple act could prevent and accident and possibly save a life (even your own).
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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