Northeastern Pennsylvania may be in the grip of an unusually cold winter, but the law will not accept that as an excuse for motorists who fail to completely clean off their vehicles.
Ronald J. Young Jr., deputy press officer with the state Department of Transportation's District 5 in Allentown, reminded drivers this week that they must clean all the ice and snow off their windows before driving. Moreover, under law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of that vehicle is subject to fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.
Young said police may issue citations to motorists for not clearing their vehicles' windows with fines of $25 plus associated costs for each offense.
Young also said making sure that vehicles are visible in inclement weather is very important, as well.
He said state law requires headlights be turned on whenever windshield wipers are on. Drivers should also keep their lights on in the low beam setting when driving in limited visibility such as snow, rain or fog.
Trooper David C. Beohm, public information officer with Troop L in Reading, stressed the importance of having clean windows and a vehicle free of ice or snow.
"You should be able to see out of all windows clearly," he said. "Vehicles already have blind spots and cleaning off just a portion is dangerous."
"They can be held liable, both criminally and civilly," Beohm said. "You're taking a chance and it's a chance not worth taking."
A piece of ice or snow from a moving vehicle can also start a string of events that could prove fatal.
Beohm said motorists driving behind a vehicle that has ice and snow dislodged will swerve to miss the debris, which could lead to accidents involving several vehicles.
"It can cause a serious chain of events that can result in injuries or even death," he said. "Take the time to clean off the car."
Although PennDOT has crews working around the clock during winter storms, interstate highways and other high volume roads are a top priority.
Young said secondary state routes are a lower priority and, during severe winter storms, deeper accumulations will be found on these roads.
"Because weather and road conditions can worsen abruptly during the winter, motorists should always check the forecast before traveling," Young said.
Young said motorists are also asked to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks.
Moreover, for the safety of the motorist as well as the plow operators, drivers should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
Being prepared before leaving home or work is also important.
Drivers should pack an emergency kit for their vehicles.
A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, a blanket, a small shovel and warm clothes.
PennDOT suggests that when preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
Finding out the conditions of highways before you leave will save time and possibly lives.
Young said that road conditions for interstates and some limited-access highways are available by calling 511 from home or while stopped in a safe location, or by visiting www.511pa.com.
Young said that PennDOT is responsible for clearing 96,000 snow lane miles, enough to circle the Earth nearly four times.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.