It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while the snow glows white on the mountains in Pennsylvania, drivers are legally required to remove dangerous snow from their vehicles. If you or your loved ones have faced injuries and accidents from another driver's negligence in these snowy driving conditions, you need to contact Freeburn Law. Our experienced legal team will be able to guide you in your legal options and help you take those first steps to justice.
The New Law: What You Need to Know
Winter driving in the heart of Pennsylvania can be terrifying and exhausting, but all drivers should work towards keeping the roads safe for everyone. The new Pennsylvania law states drivers must “make reasonable efforts” to remove snow and ice from their vehicles. This doesn’t apply to snow and ice actively accumulating on your car as you drive but works to address the snow that can threaten another driver’s safety.
Violating these new laws can result in a $50 fine for each offense. When the snow is not removed and falls off and hits another car or pedestrian, causing harm or injury, the penalty is up to $1,500 in fines.
Why is This Law Important?
On Christmas Day in 2005, traveling through rural Pennsylvania, a family was out driving when an icy missile came from a tractor-trailer, hit the windshield, and immediately went through. That deadly piece of ice hit a woman in the head, killing her instantly. The tractor-trailer never stopped, and it’s speculated that they never even knew what had happened behind them.
These laws are all about ensuring public safety as these large pieces of ice and snow can not only be deadly, but they can cause significant car accidents as well. The legal liability caused by projectile snow and ice can be extensive, and you should have an experienced car accident attorney by your side to protect your interests.
Tips for Safely Removing Snow and Ice
Driving in Pennsylvania comes with a learning curve that any driver needs to face based on their local road and weather conditions. Driving in the snow means that you must be prepared with all the tools you will need to ensure that your windows are clean and maintained.
Tips to remove snow and ice from your car:
- Ensure you allow enough time for the car to warm up before you drive it
- Use an ice scraper for windshields
- Use a large snow brush
- Cover your windshield with a snow blanket
- Apply de-icer to your windshield to ensure that snow and ice don’t stick
Winter weather means slowing down, and although our calendars are full and we are rushing to get everything done before the holidays, everyone should slow down regarding safety and driving on winter road conditions.
Injured in a Snow or Ice Accident? Contact Freeburn Law
If you or a loved one has been injured by the falling snow that another driver didn’t clear before hitting the road, you have legal rights and options. Freeburn Law can help your family navigate the legal process, establish fault and ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Hiring an attorney will allow your interests to be represented in court as a person and not just a case number. Contact us today if you need quality representation for an accident in Central, PA. Let Freeburn fight for you.
