Winter may still be a long way off, but states are already gearing up for one highway hazard that can turn deadly in seconds – snow and ice flying off moving vehicles.
A chunk of snow or ice flying off a moving vehicle can shatter a windshield, spark a crash and change a family’s life forever.
That’s why more lawmakers want drivers to clear off their vehicles before pulling onto the road.
A growing number of states already have snow removal laws. Others rely on unsafe driving or cargo securement rules to ticket drivers who leave dangerous ice behind.
Delaware
Delaware could soon join the growing list of states cracking down on snow- and ice-covered vehicles.
A bill waiting on Gov. Matt Meyer’s desk would let police stop drivers who fail to clear snow and ice before driving.
Fines would range from $25 to $75. If flying ice causes a crash or injuries, penalties could jump to $1,000. Truck drivers could face fines as high as $1,500.
Drivers could receive only one citation every 24 hours. Snow or ice that builds up again during the trip would not count.
Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, said drivers can no longer brush off the danger.
Lawmakers also considered giving truckers extra protection.
Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, tried to add language allowing drivers to avoid fines if clearing the vehicle was impossible or unsafe.
He argued that the change would protect truckers from injury while trying to remove snow and ice.
The amendment failed to win enough support.
Maryland
Maryland is also taking action. Beginning Oct. 1, drivers must clear snow and ice before heading down the highway.
The law requires drivers to make a serious effort to remove snow and ice from the hood, roof, trunk and windshield. For large trucks, that also includes the top of the trailer.
Drivers must make “reasonable efforts” to clear all exposed surfaces.
Fines start at $25 for passenger vehicles and $75 for large trucks.
Police can’t stop a driver just for violating the snow removal law. But if a vehicle is pulled over for another reason, officers can still issue a ticket.
The penalties climb fast if snow or ice flies off and causes a crash, injury or death. Drivers could face a $200 fine. Truck drivers could be fined up to $1,500.
The law includes exceptions. Drivers won’t be ticketed if removing the snow or ice would violate workplace safety rules or put them in danger.
Louis Campion is the president of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. He said flying snow and ice is dangerous no matter what you’re driving. But clearing a tractor-trailer is far more challenging.
Campion told lawmakers there simply aren’t enough truck washes, drive-through scrapers, or other facilities to handle the thousands of trucks that travel through Maryland every day.
Still, Campion said the new law sends an important message: Every driver should think twice before taking the road with snow and ice still riding on top. LL
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