Waking up to Snow on a Busy Morning
Most of us in Southwest and Central Virginia woke up to a thick coating of ice and snow on our vehicles this morning. This is never a welcome sight when trying to rush out of the door to get to work on time. But unfortunately, all of us must take the time to properly clean all ice, frost, and snow from our vehicles before venturing out in order to prevent a serious ice debris accident.
Prevent Ice Debris Accidents
Virginia State Police are working to remind drivers about the importance of this after a driver in Henrico County had his windshield broken by a large piece of ice that became dislodged from the vehicle in front of him and stuck his windshield smashing it into pieces. The incident happened on I95/295 outside of Richmond this morning. Fortunately, the driver was able to pull his car to the shoulder safely and no one was injured in the incident. This driver is not alone. This has happened to numerous drivers throughout the United States and can be a very dangerous situation.
Virginia Delegate Mike Mullin Introduced Bill to Address Hazardous Ice Debris
In 2019, Delegate Mike Mullin introduced House Bill 207 after he experienced a similar incident when he was driving in 2018. Thankfully, no one was injured in his ice debris accident. The Bill, similar to laws already in effect in approximately 1/3 of the states in America, did not pass. Delegate Mullin faulted lobbyists for the trucking industry for the Bill’s failure. The trucking industry claimed that the expectation that large, commercial vehicles be cleared of ice and snow would be “too tough to manage”. Mullin concluded his statement by saying that tragedy is often the only thing that will cause change, but he hopes no one ever dies on I-81 because someone else couldn’t be bothered to clear ice from their car or tractor trailer.
Tips for Clearing Snow and Ice Off of Your Car
- Keep an ice scraper in your car at all times. Use the scraper only on the glass, as it is possible for the scraper to scratch the paint on your vehicle.
- Be sure to clean the side mirrors, windows, rear window and windshield completely. Do not venture out with a tiny cleared area on the driver’s side of the windshield. This will inhibit your visibility.
- A broom with soft bristles will work on the hood, roof, and trunk of your vehicle. If you have a high profile car like a truck or SUV, use a stepladder to reach the entire surface area.
- Using hot water may seem like a good idea, but I’m afraid it isn’t. If the windshield heats too quickly, it may shatter.
- De-icers may work on your car’s glass. Do not store these in your vehicle.
- Start your car, turn on the heat and the defrosters. These features will assist you while you work to clear the ice. Work swiftly so that you do not waste gas.
- When icy weather is in the forecast, allow extra time to clear vehicles and to drive slowly. Only go out if you have to. Check all weather and road conditions before getting in your car.
More Resources for Winter Weather Driving
Winter 2021 has thrown a few winter events our way. When possible, I work to post blogs to help you stay safe. For example, check out my other winter weather posts here:
The Time to Prepare for Roanoke Snowstorm is Now
A Snowy Commute May Be on For Friday
Do You Need Help With a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Therefore, you should not pay for someone else’s carelessness. Call The Thomson Law Firm today to get a free consultation. Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm in Roanoke, VA is currently accepting new cases. While he focuses his practice on cases that involve wrongful death and catastrophic injuries, he is available to consult victims of personal injury. Above all, he wants to be there for victims of personal injury. Call today to speak with an intake specialist about your case. There is no fee for this consult.
