Driving a Snow Covered Car is Not Only Dangerous It Could Be Illegal

We have all been following a car down a winter road or highway that has 6 inches of snow piled on its roof, hood and trunk. Even though it is no longer snowing, snow is cascading back, affecting our visibility, causing us to use our wipers. They probably do not realize that driving a snow-covered car down the road in front of other motorists is not only dangerous, it could be illegal.

Dangers of a Snow Covered Car

The excuses people give for driving a snow covered car are that they were running late and didn't think about it, or that they had no way to remove it. The classic excuse is that it will blow off. Yes, it will blow off, slide off or melt off, but consider the consequences of all of that blowing, sliding snow.

You could be a danger to the car following you. The blowing snow from your car will limit their visibility. You may be in danger of the car rear-ending you because the driver cannot see your brake lights clearly.

If a large chunk of snow slides off your car, it could startle the driver behind you and cause them to loose control of their car. You could be liable for any damages because the snow fell from your car. It is the same as your muffler falling off and damaging the vehicle behind you.

If you have to hit your brakes hard enough, all of that snow on your roof could come cascading down onto your windshield. You can no longer see what is going on in front of you that caused you to hit your brakes. You could hit another car, an animal or even a person if that is what caused you to slam on the brakes.

The heavy wet snow will be too much for your windshield wipers to remove, so you will have to get out of your car and push the snow away. This could also put you and other motorists in a dangerous situation.

Driving a Snow Covered Car Could be Illegal

According to the Register Star, New Jersey passed a law in October of 2010 making it illegal to drive snow-covered cars on the streets. The offense will cost the motorist anywhere from $25.00 to $75.00 in fines. A commercial vehicle can be fined as much as $1500.00.

West Virginia has a similar law, and repeat offenders can face even larger fines, if they continue to drive their snow-covered cars. It does not matter if it is a law or not, it is a matter of safety. Snow laden cars are dangerous and can cause accidents for you or for someone else. Take the time to clean the snow from your car before you drive. It may save you money, save you from an accident, or save you from harming someone else.

Sources:

The Register Star Online

HS Injury Law