Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department The arrival of the winter season brings with it several changes associated with driving. One of importance is the removal of excess snow and frost from your vehicles prior to operating. This topic is always brought up to me at this time of the year and I wanted to remind people of the importance of taking this one additional safety step. A few laws on the books can address this situation. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 13 is the law which addresses “impeded” operation. Drivers are not allowed to have anything on or about their vehicle which may interfere with its safe operation. This can directly pertain to the removal of snow an ice from windshields. However, even though it is not specifically stated in this law, there may be circumstances where it can apply to snow on vehicle hoods, roof tops, or trunks. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 85 Section 36 addresses the subject of unsecured or unsafe loads transported on the roadways. Flying snow or debris from a vehicle traveling down the road may apply under these circumstances. Both laws carry civil fines and decisions will be made by an officer on a case-by-case basis. As another reminder, your vehicle’s license plates must also be clearly visible and free of snow and debris. It is a separate violation of the law to have an obstructed number plate. There is a danger when not removing snow from a vehicle in a prompt manner. If it is left in place, it tends to melt and re-freeze which creates an ice sheet. When traveling at higher speeds, such as on a highway, the wind can move under this ice and send it flying off the vehicle. It could then land on or around another vehicle traveling along the road. The results of this can be very serious. Despite the damage this may cause to another vehicle, it could have even greater consequences should this land on another vehicle’s windshield. The driver may not be able to see, and this could result in an accident. If there is a crash involved, the fact that the snow/ice was not removed prior to the trip, could be considered as a negligent act on the part of that driver. |
Therefore, this person may bear some responsibility for the accident. Please take a few extra minutes to completely remove the snow from your vehicle. This simple act could prevent and accident and possibly save a life (even your own).
Our department will once again be collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. New and unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Monetary donations as well as gift cards are also accepted. There are definite needs in our area for these items and our department thanks everyone in advance for their continued generosity. For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling The Board of Health 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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