State Police Warn of Hazards of Unremoved Snow or Ice

In the wake of Thursday's heavy snowfall, New Hampshire State Police are reminding all everyday drivers and truckers of the dangers of not removing snow and ice from the tops of vehicles, especially large trucks.

Snow and ice falling from a moving truck can create hazardous driving conditions for vehicles travelling around them and possibly result in fines and/or civil liability for failing to take reasonable steps to remove the snow or ice accumulations.

Under New Hampshire State law, a driver can be cited for driving a vehicle in a manner that “endangers” or “is likely to endanger any person or property.”   Large amounts of snow accumulating on a vehicle or trailer often melts and refreezes over time causing buildup of ice that can often damage vehicles when falling from a vehicle.

Early removal of the snow after a snowstorm is the best way to prevent such ice from accumulating.

It is also important for drivers of all vehicles to leave sufficient space when following large trucks to give themselves enough time to react and be able to avoid any snow/ice in the event that it does fall from a large truck or trailer.