Winter Hazards on the Roads
Winter in the northeastern United States can turn an ordinary parked car into an accidental snow sculpture. Some look almost elegant, others just funny, but they all share one common feature: driving them without proper snow clearing is illegal.
New Jersey state officials remind drivers that snow and ice must be removed from the entire vehicle before departure, not just from a small “porthole” on the windshield that barely opens up a view of the road. This means clearing windows, roof, hood, and trunk. Failure to comply can result in a significant fine, as well as potentially cause serious consequences for other road users.
Causes and Risks
Inadequately cleared snow on the roof or windows can block the driver’s own view or fly off and hit neighboring cars. At high speeds, a frozen slab turns into a flying projectile capable of shattering windshields and denting body panels.
Fines start at just $25, but if snow or ice flies off your vehicle and causes an accident or injures someone, they can increase to $1000. Commercial drivers face even higher fines, potentially reaching $1500.
The Tragedy Behind the Law
While the law seems like common sense, a tragic story lies behind its existence. In February 1996, Michael Eastman was returning home when a massive slab of ice flew off a trailer and smashed his windshield. He suffered fatal head injuries and died a few days later. His wife, Katie, fought for years to change the law so that no one else would face such a devastating loss.
Her advocacy eventually worked, and New Jersey lawmakers listened, turning snow and ice clearing from a simple piece of advice on a winter checklist, which half of drivers ignored, into a legal requirement, similar to wearing a seatbelt.
This story is a reminder that many traffic rules we take for granted are often born from real tragedies. Similar snow-clearing laws exist in other states, but their level of strictness and enforcement can vary greatly. The effectiveness of such regulations depends not only on the size of fines but also on public awareness and drivers’ willingness to allocate extra time to prepare their vehicles for travel in winter conditions. The issue of safety on winter roads remains complex, where the technical readiness of the vehicle, the driver’s skill, and adherence to seemingly simple rules form the overall picture.