PSA: if there is snow or ice on the roof of your vehicle clean it off

[bettyandbob]

 

I can also tell you that damage from falling ice from a roof of a building onto a car will not be paid by the insurance company of the building or the building's owner. It happens over and over up here. These are cars parked in correct parking spots by buildings. 

 

 

This is not really a good comparison. The owner's of parking lots usually post notices that you park at your own risk. You are making a choice to park in a particular lot. Such lots are typically private property. 

 

When you are driving you cannot inform all the other people on the road that they are at their own risk choosing to be on the road with you. Roads are typically paid with taxes for the benefit of all, therefore it is reasonable to expect all who use roads to contribute to general safety on roads. 

[skimomma]

As others have pointed out, this issue is location dependent.  I live in an extremely snowy area.  We have snow 5-6 months of the year.  For perspective, we just went over the 200 inch mark this year.  No one clears their roofs.  Ever.  And there is no rule/law about it.  Windshields, windows, and mirrors must be cleared and you can be stopped if not, but roofs?  Nope.  Despite living in this area for 20 years, I have never witnessed a sheet of ice/snow fly off of a car.  

[LuvToRead]

So what states actually have laws saying you must clear the roof of your vehicle of snow and ice before driving? 

 

 

I'm in downstate Illinois, I could find no law that says I must clear it off before driving.

 

Illinois law states that if something flies off your vehicle, the driver is responsible for damages.  You must have an unobstructed view, but I don't think state law requires snow removal from the roof of a car.  

[Amy in NH]

So you think I should get out a ladder and move it around my car every morning to clean off the snow and ice?  Hahaha! 

Try not driving so close behind me.

[Mrs Mungo]

I am not talking about a routine, able to be scheduled for the next day/week, appointment. I am talking about a treatment that if a person misses it can/will result in death or risk making a life saving treatment ineffective. The two situations are very very different and it is unreasonable to even consider comparing the two. And yes, there are people in that situation. Thankfully, it does not sound like your son is in that situation and I hope you are never faced with it.

You really wouldn't know anything about what I have faced, would you? Certainly, some treatments are absolutely necessary. But, that doesn't excuse not doing what it takes to drive safely.

 

Not everyone has neighbors and snow removal services are a luxury many enjoy but it is not a luxury shared by everyone.

If driving is a necessity, then driving safely is a necessity. If that means arranging to have someone to come out and help with your car, so be it. I simply disagree with your insistence that it's *impossible*. As I said, I lived in Germany where they are quite strict about it. Two of my kids were born there. I am only 5 feet tall. If I can do it, then most people can do it. If they can't, then they need to find a way to get it done. That's all there is to it.

 

I would not call someone lazy if they are unwilling to risk their own health and safety to stand outside on a ladder and scrap ice off the top of the car with a credit card so that they can go get a medical treatment that their life depends on.

1. I said MOST people were ignorant about the need and/or lazy. I stand by that. Most people not bothering with this don't have medical appointments or limited mobility. I didn't connect laziness with medical issues, that is certainly a lovely bit of hyperbole on your part.

 

In your theoritical, how would said person with limited mobility scrape their windows (a legal requirement in all states, as far as I am aware), if the vehicle is tall enough that they need a stepladder to clear the roof? They would need help, regardless, would they not? Or are you saying it is fine for them to drive with iced over windows due to their limitations?

 

Credit card? Really? I have an ice scraper in my car right now. I also have a first aid kit. I have a jack and spare tire and jumper cables. I have them because these are things you carry in your car for safety reasons. I currently live in Hawaii, but I never know when I'll move back somewhere random and need an ice scraper. Clearing your car of ice is hardly an impossible dream.

 

For the record, I'm 5 feet tall. My last car was a Ford Expedition. I didn't need a ladder to clear the roof. My ice scraper has a brush on the other end, and I could sweep everything off by opening the door and standing inside the car.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

So you think I should get out a ladder and move it around my car every morning to clean off the snow and ice?  Hahaha! 

Try not driving so close behind me.

 

So the sucker behind you in another lane on a multi-lane highway is SOL?

[Truscifi]

I'm glad I live in Florida.

[Χά�ων]

If your specialist offices close with the bad weather, then the appointments are NOT life or death. I am talking life or death. I am not sure how else to explain it. I am fully aware of the importance of not missing an appointment with a specialist. I have been doing this far too long not to be. Again, I am not talking about people who have the liberty of going the next day to see their specialist. I am talking about life and death medically necessary, treatments.

 

Important routine appointment with a specialist DOES NOT EQUAL regular medically necessary treatments to sustain life and prevent death. 

 

There is a difference. It is huge. If you are unable to see it, maybe someone else can explain it better. I am not sure how to be clearer. I am not judging your journey or negating your experiences. I am stating that you are not in that same situation. 

 

Not impossible? How about so highly improbable that it makes it seem almost impossible. Last year we ended up with 14 inches of snow. That is almost unheard of to get at one time here. The county does not do snow removal on rural roads. Ever. Heck, they barely manage to grade the roads twice a year. It is 2 miles to get to the nearest treated road. My driveway is 600ft long on top of that. No one is going to come out here and shovel my driveway and knock the snow off my car. The thought if hilarious. 

 

The nearest neighbors with the equipment to get us out are a mile to the north and another is half a mile to the south. With their equipment it takes a better of 4 hours to get to the highway. Last year I got stuck stuck every time I drove my road until the snow melted. I had to get out and shovel my car out. If I have to deal with THAT to get to the highway before driving over an hour (in no traffic) to get to the hospital I am NOT going to mess around with the snow on top of my car. If I am lazy, so be it. 

 

I am not worried about those who are out and about without good reason. I am not talking about them.  

 

Someone up thread mentioned a credit card as a feasible option for scraping a car.

 

You are trying to say that you were able to scrap the ice off of the roof of your explorer without a step stool and with a brush on the end of your ice scrapper? Seriously? You brushed the SNOW off. SNOW is different than ice. 

 

You really wouldn't know anything about what I have faced, would you? Certainly, some treatments are absolutely necessary. But, that doesn't excuse not doing what it takes to drive safely.

If driving is a necessity, then driving safely is a necessity. If that means arranging to have someone to come out and help with your car, so be it. I simply disagree with your insistence that it's *impossible*. As I said, I lived in Germany where they are quite strict about it. Two of my kids were born there. I am only 5 feet tall. If I can do it, then most people can do it. If they can't, then they need to find a way to get it done. That's all there is to it.

1. I said MOST people were ignorant about the need and/or lazy. I stand by that. Most people not bothering with this don't have medical appointments or limited mobility. I didn't connect laziness with medical issues, that is certainly a lovely bit of hyperbole on your part.

In your theoritical, how would said person with limited mobility scrape their windows (a legal requirement in all states, as far as I am aware), if the vehicle is tall enough that they need a stepladder to clear the roof? They would need help, regardless, would they not? Or are you saying it is fine for them to drive with iced over windows due to their limitations?

Credit card? Really? I have an ice scraper in my car right now. I also have a first aid kit. I have a jack and spare tire and jumper cables. I have them because these are things you carry in your car for safety reasons. I currently live in Hawaii, but I never know when I'll move back somewhere random and need an ice scraper. Clearing your car of ice is hardly an impossible dream.

For the record, I'm 5 feet tall. My last car was a Ford Expedition. I didn't need a ladder to clear the roof. My ice scraper has a brush on the other end, and I could sweep everything off by opening the door and standing inside the car.

 

[Catwoman]

One thought about this thread is people are pointing out that one kind of snow, like the dry blow away stuff our lightly packed snow isn't a safety issue...

But even if the clump of snow or chunk of ice doesn't hit your car it's a serious shock and distraction to you at a time of the year when you might be dealing with gusts of wind, icy or slushy roads or limited visibility.

It's driving that is harder to begin with in all respects and that person in front of you is adding one more variable to the mess?

:iagree:

 

Even the light, fluffy snow can be a hazard to the driver behind you if there is a lot of it on your roof, as it can land on their windshield and make it difficult to see clearly until they get their windshield wipers going -- and if the weather is cold enough, that soft snow can freeze incredibly quickly on a windshield and seriously impact the driver's ability to see in front of him.

 

I find it amazing that anyone is arguing against doing a very simple thing that makes driving safer for everyone.

[Joker]

I have never heard of clearing off the roof of your car. I grew up in Texas and we had snow and ice occasionally. We never cleared off the roof and I never knew anyone who did. Now I wonder what people thought of us that year dh and I lived in Iowa. We never cleared the roof (and we never, ever witnessed anyone else doing it either).

[Guest submarines]

I have lived in an area that gets story and ice every year, multiple times a year. I have NEVER heard of anyone cleaning off the roof of the car. 

 

I think your response is snooty and does not take into consideration those who live in an area where snow and ice is rare and supplies are not readily available. Nor does it take into consideration the elderly or those who are physically disable or limited. 

 

Hmmm... you get story and ice every year, and you never heard about cleaning it off the roof of the car? The story you get every year must be not good at all. :cool:

 

But seriously. If you are not able to make your vehicle safe by clean snow off your car roof, due to lack of tools or a disability, you shouldn't be driving it until the issue is resolved. It is pretty common sense.

[Guest submarines]

:iagree:

 

Even the light, fluffy snow can be a hazard to the driver behind you if there is a lot of it on your roof, as it can land on their windshield and make it difficult to see clearly until they get their windshield wipers going -- and if the weather is cold enough, that soft snow can freeze incredibly quickly on a windshield and seriously impact the driver's ability to see in front of him.

 

I find it amazing that anyone is arguing against doing a very simple thing that makes driving safer for everyone.

 

  :iagree: The snow from the roof can also end up on one's own windshield too, btw.

 

ETA: I clicked on this tread because I was perplexed how a thread about cleaning snow off one's car roof can all of a sudden get so many posts. I've forgotten where I was. :lol:

 

ETA #2: Now, lets go to the other PSA thread about can edges being incredibly sharp. I'm sure we can figure out how to disagree with the OP. Yay! :D For example, I never open canned food anyway! I suck it out through a straw.

 

[Catwoman]

:iagree: The snow from the roof can also end up on one's own windshield too, btw.

That's so true. One sudden stop and... Uh oh... :eek:

 

ETA: I clicked on this tread because I was perplexed how a thread about cleaning snow off one's car roof can all of a sudden get so many posts. I've forgotten where I was. :lol:

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Maybe it's time for a thread about whether or not it should be OK to leave a crockpot on the roof of your car... ;)

[shanvan]

Recent USA Today article lists some of the states, but I know there are more I read about elsewhere.  

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/18/connecticuts-ice-missile-law/4581121/

 

 I never used to clean mine off when I was younger.  I just never realized it was a hazard.  Then driving home from college I experienced a giant chunk of ice flying toward my car.  That's when I started cleaning my roof, hood, etc.  

 

After the last storm Dc and I were shoveling out front and helped several neighbors clear their car roof.  They had no idea it was a law.  

 

I've been in a situation where it is not such an easy task, and I agree with Wishbone..you do what you can.  Still, it is a little strange to hear people casually dismiss an action that could save a life.  

[shanvan]

That's so true. One sudden stop and... Uh oh... :eek:

 

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Maybe it's time for a thread about whether or not it should be OK to leave a crockpot on the roof of your car... ;)

No, no.  Cupcakes.

[Χά�ων]

Hmmm... you get story and ice every year, and you never heard about cleaning it off the roof of the car? The story you get every year must be not good at all. :cool:

 

But seriously. If you are not able to make your vehicle safe by clean snow off your car roof, due to lack of tools or a disability, you shouldn't be driving it until the issue is resolved. It is pretty common sense.

Dumb phone. The young whipper snappers at the store assured me that on screen keyboards had improved so much that it was just like my old phone with the slide up keyboard. 

 

 

Unless it is life or death. Seriously. I am not advocating going for a Sunday drive. I am talking about life or death situations. 

[Catwoman]

No, no. Cupcakes.

When you're right, you're right.

 

I stand corrected. :D

[Heatherwith4]

This thread is so weird. Even for here.

[shanvan]

When you're right, you're right.

 

I stand corrected. :D

Or, you know, I was thinking soda cans.  I did that a lot in college.  I was usually halfway home before I realized my soda was missing.  (I'm not proud of that.)

[Guest submarines]

Dumb phone. The young whipper snappers at the store assured me that on screen keyboards had improved so much that it was just like my old phone with the slide up keyboard. 

 

 

Unless it is life or death. Seriously. I am not advocating going for a Sunday drive. I am talking about life or death situations. 

 

I figured it was an autocorrect. See, you get snow so rarely, your phone doesn't even know it. ;)

 

Well, life or death, you do what you gotta do.

 

What I don't get the defiance of "I never heard about cleaning my roof, and I've never seen anyone do it either!"

 

Frankly, if you leave in an area where it snows during winter, I seriously doubt everyone is driving with snow or ice on the roofs. I saw one person last winter. Not a single person yet this winter. Yep, it is so noticeable and so rare.

[Mrs Mungo]

I really am confused how a disabled person would be able to shovel 600 feet of driveway in a dire life and death emergency and still not be able to remove ice or snow from their car.

 

This make as much sense as homemade cold cereal that takes several hours to make.

 

Yes, between my long handled ice scraper and the brush on the other side, I was regularly able to remove ice and snow from my Expedition. You may find my argument snooty, but I don't think yours makes a lick of sense. 

[Catwoman]

This thread is so weird. Even for here.

:iagree:

 

And that's saying something. :D

 

Betty probably had no idea what she was starting. :)

[Catwoman]

I really am confused how a disabled person would be able to shovel 600 feet of driveway in a dire life and death emergency and still not be able to remove ice or snow from their car.

 

This make as much sense as homemade cold cereal that takes several hours to make.

:iagree:

 

If it was a dire emergency and the driveway was full of snow, wouldn't the person just call 911 for help? I couldn't shovel that much snow in an emergency -- it would take way too long -- and thankfully, I'm not disabled.

 

And... since you mentioned it... on the subject of the cereal, the part that struck me funny was that the OP wasn't even upset that she'd spent four hours making it, but that her child dumped every last bit of it into a bowl at once and poured milk into it before she could stop him.

 

So apparently it took four hours to make a single big bowl of cereal. :eek:

 

That must have been The Best Cereal Ever if it was worth spending 4 hours to make it. ;)

 

But it wouldn't have been worth it to me. I can drive to the store and back in less than 10 minutes and have boxes and boxes of cereal to show for it.

 

I'm all about efficiency when it comes to cereal, you know. ;)

[Mrs Mungo]

I hate cereal, I think it is gross. That is probably why I cook breakfast almost every day. ;)

[Mrs Mungo]

And frankly, when I call for appointments with ds's specialist, the first thing it says is, "if this is an emergency, hang up and call 911."

[Mrs Mungo]

That's so true. One sudden stop and... Uh oh... :eek:

 

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Maybe it's time for a thread about whether or not it should be OK to leave a crockpot on the roof of your car... ;)

Sounds like the start of a "would you eat this" thread.

[Catwoman]

Sounds like the start of a "would you eat this" thread.

:lol:

 

At least it would give people something new to fight about..........

[Catwoman]

I hate cereal, I think it is gross. That is probably why I cook breakfast almost every day. ;)

I'm not much of a cereal eater, either. I usually cook breakfast, too.

 

And it has never taken me four hours to do it... ;)

[Slartibartfast]

People just ought to do doughnuts in cul-de-sacs to clear the ice off the roofs of their cars.

 

 

One could always use a broom to clear their car off. If it is covered in ice then one needs to be prepared and warm up the car a bit before sweeping it off. Where I lived previously tended to get a lot more ice than snow and sure, it was a pitb but it is just one of those things that need to be done.

 

If it is a safety issue that could endanger the lives of others then IMO it is a pretty shocking thing to debate. We could also debate driving drunk, driving while texting, or whether or not we should put kids in carseats but those would all seem silly...wouldn't it?

 

If it is that much of a trial then just get a car cover. 

 

There are also these,

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Snow-Joe-Snow-Broom-with-Ice-Scraper/21098141

[bettyandbob]

 

 

Betty probably had no idea what she was starting. :)

I didn't. I thought this would get a couple of posts and die. And then it took on a whole new life.

 

I think cupcakes can be made in crockpots on the car roof. But my crock is heavy. If it wasn't securely attached to the roof someone could get hurt. Since I have never seen this happen I have no scientific basis for this belief. Maybe there is a vaccine that can help.

 

I have a terrible confession. I do not want the snowplow or tow truck drivers to wear kilts. They should wear warm flannel lined pants or long underwear. I bet someone has a pic of a guy in long underwear and a kilt.

[WishboneDawn]

:iagree:

 

Even the light, fluffy snow can be a hazard to the driver behind you if there is a lot of it on your roof, as it can land on their windshield and make it difficult to see clearly until they get their windshield wipers going -- and if the weather is cold enough, that soft snow can freeze incredibly quickly on a windshield and seriously impact the driver's ability to see in front of him.

 

I find it amazing that anyone is arguing against doing a very simple thing that makes driving safer for everyone.

I think 1) they either don't realize the hazard our 2) are so familiar with it that they're complacent about it.

[KungFuPanda]

I forgot about the 4 hour bowl of cereal thread! Good times.

[shanvan]

I forgot about the 4 hour bowl of cereal thread! Good times.

Well, I missed that one.  Is it recent?  I think our breakfast is cereal today---guess I better get started.  It might take longer than I thought.

 

We've never had a 4hr bowl of cereal, but we may have had a 4hr math lesson!

[GailV]

 

I find it amazing that anyone is arguing against doing a very simple thing that makes driving safer for everyone.

 

 

I see the argument being over how easy this actually is.

 

Personally, I'm rolling my eyes at people who say it's a simple matter to shove the snow off the other side (not if you've got rails) or make sure you get it before it's icy (not if you have weather swings like ours -- we flip from warm to snow to 0F in the course of a few hours, then warm back up and dip down to re-freeze the entire mess).

 

Yes, it should be done.  I'm not arguing against that.   I roll my eyes at people here around here who don't clear their cars.  And I reserve the right to roll my eyes at the people on this thread who think what happens wetherwise in one area of the world is how it is universally, or who imply that because something is simple in their individual situation it is therefor universally simple for all people.  

[Χά�ων]

And frankly, when I call for appointments with ds's specialist, the first thing it says is, "if this is an emergency, hang up and call 911."

Every doctors office and every clinic at the children's hospital and even the nurse advice lines ALL have that message.  It is common place and for liability reasons. It has NOTHING to do with receiving routine life saving medical treatments. I am beginning to wonder if you have a clue what I am talking about. I guess that is a good thing that you do not live that reality. Just in case you have failed to grasp it already, people do live with that reality every.single.day. 

 

I really am confused how a disabled person would be able to shovel 600 feet of driveway in a dire life and death emergency and still not be able to remove ice or snow from their car.

 

Reread what I wrote. I gave an example of where I live. and Yes, people with disabilities DO live in a rural setting. Since moving both my parents have become disabled. The property is paid for and it is cheaper than living in the city. Cheaper is the biggest reason we went together and bought property and moved. 

 

This make as much sense as homemade cold cereal that takes several hours to make.

Bringing up old threads with snide remarks. Is that an attempt to make me sad and leave because you are unable to continue a discussion and see that your own personal experience of raising a chronically ill child is not the same as raising a child who needs regular medical treatments in order to live? Because I am NOT talking about your experience. Try stepping away from your limited experience and open your eyes to the reality that there are people who cannot miss an appointment without risking death. I am so happy for you that your child does not have a disease where this can become his reality, but having a different experience does not mean that is not reality for others.

 

 

 

Yes, between my long handled ice scraper and the brush on the other side, I was regularly able to remove ice and snow from my Expedition. You may find my argument snooty, but I don't think yours makes a lick of sense. 

 

I find your argument to be out of touch with reality. A long handle brush will not get rid of ice. Maybe this is another difference in where you live thing. But ice real ice, not compacted snow that might turn into a solid mass ICE does not come off when you brush it with a broom.

 

 

My earlier reply that if I were to go by your post tells me that you possibly did not read it. Read it again. Ask REAL questions about what I said. Do not assume I said anything I didn't. Do not assume every person out there lives in an urban or suburban setting with all the convinces that you experienced. If you do not understand, ask for clarification. That is how you have a conversation. 

 

If your specialist offices close with the bad weather, then the appointments are NOT life or death. I am talking life or death. I am not sure how else to explain it. I am fully aware of the importance of not missing an appointment with a specialist. I have been doing this far too long not to be. Again, I am not talking about people who have the liberty of going the next day to see their specialist. I am talking about life and death medically necessary, treatments.

 

Important routine appointment with a specialist DOES NOT EQUAL regular medically necessary treatments to sustain life and prevent death. 

 

There is a difference. It is huge. If you are unable to see it, maybe someone else can explain it better. I am not sure how to be clearer. I am not judging your journey or negating your experiences. I am stating that you are not in that same situation. 

 

Not impossible? How about so highly improbable that it makes it seem almost impossible. Last year we ended up with 14 inches of snow. That is almost unheard of to get at one time here. The county does not do snow removal on rural roads. Ever. Heck, they barely manage to grade the roads twice a year. It is 2 miles to get to the nearest treated road. My driveway is 600ft long on top of that. No one is going to come out here and shovel my driveway and knock the snow off my car. The thought if hilarious. 

 

The nearest neighbors with the equipment to get us out are a mile to the north and another is half a mile to the south. With their equipment it takes a better of 4 hours to get to the highway. Last year I got stuck stuck every time I drove my road until the snow melted. I had to get out and shovel my car out. If I have to deal with THAT to get to the highway before driving over an hour (in no traffic) to get to the hospital I am NOT going to mess around with the snow on top of my car. If I am lazy, so be it. 

 

I am not worried about those who are out and about without good reason. I am not talking about them.  

 

Someone up thread mentioned a credit card as a feasible option for scraping a car.

 

You are trying to say that you were able to scrap the ice off of the roof of your explorer without a step stool and with a brush on the end of your ice scrapper? Seriously? You brushed the SNOW off. SNOW is different than ice. 

[MFG]

I'm not much of a cereal eater, either. I usually cook breakfast, too.

 

And it has never taken me four hours to do it... ;)

Two words. Overnight oatmeal.

[Χά�ων]

I see the argument being over how easy this actually is.

 

Personally, I'm rolling my eyes at people who say it's a simple matter to shove the snow off the other side (not if you've got rails) or make sure you get it before it's icy (not if you have weather swings like ours -- we flip from warm to snow to 0F in the course of a few hours, then warm back up and dip down to re-freeze the entire mess).

 

Yes, it should be done.  I'm not arguing against that.   I roll my eyes at people here around here who don't clear their cars.  And I reserve the right to roll my eyes at the people on this thread who think what happens wetherwise in one area of the world is how it is universally, or who imply that because something is simple in their individual situation it is therefor universally simple for all people.  

 

I agree with the bold. The suggestion of scrapping ice off the top of my car with a credit card if I have to is a joke and will never happen. I will take the ticket before I will climb on my car and scrap the ice off with a credit card. Even with the longer handled scrappers (not brushes, because those do not do a lick of good with ice) I can't reach the center of the top of my car. I would have to literally climb onto the hood of the car and then onto the roof. I will save my energy for getting out of my driveway, off my road and the next road and onto the highway.  

 

We get the temperature swings, just not as severe as you are describing.

 

Roll your eyes at me, you won't offend me. I still refuse to climb onto the roof of my car to scrap the ice with a credit card. 

[skimomma]

And I reserve the right to roll my eyes at the people on this thread who think what happens wetherwise in one area of the world is how it is universally, or who imply that because something is simple in their individual situation it is therefor universally simple for all people.  

 

Yes.

[KungFuPanda]

Nm

[KungFuPanda]

I agree with the bold. The suggestion of scrapping ice off the top of my car with a credit card if I have to is a joke and will never happen. I will take the ticket before I will climb on my car and scrap the ice off with a credit card. Even with the longer handled scrappers (not brushes, because those do not do a lick of good with ice) I can't reach the center of the top of my car. I would have to literally climb onto the hood of the car and then onto the roof. I will save my energy for getting out of my driveway, off my road and the next road and onto the highway.

 

We get the temperature swings, just not as severe as you are describing.

 

Roll your eyes at me, you won't offend me. I still refuse to climb onto the roof of my car to scrap the ice with a credit card.

Are you saying that if a sheet of ice slid off someone's truck and shattered your windshield you wouldn't sue because the situation is impossible to prevent in your area?

[Amy in NH]

So the sucker behind you in another lane on a multi-lane highway is SOL?

 

Not sure where you think I live, but there is no multilane highway here!  LOL!

[MBM]

Get a loose-fitting car tarp if you can't scrape off the snow and ice. They're a whole lot cheaper than dealing with a lawsuit. I used to have one and it was not difficult to cover my car and then remove it along with all the snow and ice. Just pop it in the trunk until you have to use it again.

 

http://www.tarpsplus.com/cartarps12x16.html?utm_source=cartarps12x16&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=COnTzJG8lLwCFUJo7AodAwgAFw

[Χά�ων]

Are you saying that if a sheet of ice slid off someone's truck and shattered your windshield you wouldn't sue because the situation is impossible to prevent in your area?

My insurance company might sue if they do not have insurance. They have gone after uninsured motorists in the past who caused an accident I was in. I have insurance to replace the windshield.

[LuvToRead]

Not sure where you think I live, but there is no multilane highway here!  LOL!

 

What about the people in oncoming traffic?  This is what happened to us.  Something very large flew off a truck in the oncoming lane, and could have killed us.  Luckily, we weren't hurt, but it isn't just those behind you at risk.  

 

I guess I figure if the snow is fluffy enough to be easily brushed off, it is fluffy enough to blow off and impair someone's vision. I admit I would probably never scrape ice off the top of my van, but thankfully I have a garage.  

[shanvan]

What about the people in oncoming traffic?  This is what happened to us.  Something very large flew off a truck in the oncoming lane, and could have killed us.  Luckily, we weren't hurt, but it isn't just those behind you at risk.  

 

I guess I figure if the snow is fluffy enough to be easily brushed off, it is fluffy enough to blow off and impair someone's vision. I admit I would probably never scrape ice off the top of my van, but thankfully I have a garage.  

Yes.  In two of the articles I read the people who died were hit by flying ice from a car/truck driving in the opposite direction.

[shanvan]

More info, from this blog.  I'm trying to find a good source of laws by state.  Not having any luck and I've got to get started on grading papers.  Anyway...

 

 

Laws in other parts of the country don’t require drivers to clear snow from the top of their rigs, but drivers still need to ensure good visibility and, if possible, remove as much ice as they can.

In Alaska, snow and ice may not obscure windshield visibility, and law enforcement officers in Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, and Nebraska may issue citations if a vehicle is considered a danger.

In New Hampshire, officers may issue citations under negligence for snow and ice falling from a vehicle, and officers in Washington D.C. may stop a motorist for traveling with accumulated snow and ice.   

In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority can prohibit vehicles from using the roadway if debris, including snow or ice, could fall from the vehicle and “endanger individuals or property.† In addition, Massachusetts Turnpike Police have the authority to fine drivers $100 for failing to clear vehicles.

[KungFuPanda]

My insurance company might sue if they do not have insurance. They have gone after uninsured motorists in the past who caused an accident I was in. I have insurance to replace the windshield.

What if ice from your car injured someone and your insurance company refused to pay the claim because they deemed it a maintenance issue? I'm not sure it's worth the risk. You could be talking about a lot more than a fine for not clearing your car. I know my savings can't take a hit like that.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

Are there numbers about how many are injured or killed each year by ice flying off another vehicle?

[Meriwether]

We've have a garage for the past nine years. It is hard to remember exactly what I did that long ago. I never drove around with snow piled up or chunks of ice, but I'm pretty sure I never tried to get it perfectly clear either - more or a swish and done. I did have ice on the car once. We had freezing rain. It took half an hour to get my door open. I think I got in the passenger side; the rain had been falling against the drivers side and sealed the cracks. I'm sure I drove once my windows were clear and the door could be opened. The ice was at most 1/4 inch thick on the top. It wouldn't have occurred to me to scrape it.

[KungFuPanda]

Are there numbers about how many are injured or killed each year by ice flying off another vehicle?

Is there an acceptable number?