PSA for those in the Snow Zone

[Pixiedust34]

When you dig out your car, please take the time to get all of the snow and ice off the roof of your car. Do not drive with a big chunk of ice on your car's roof because that could easily become a projectile and hit the windshield of a car behind you.

 

[lovemygoofy]

MY SNOW PET PEEVE!!!!!

People drive so fast and that stuff coming flying on your windshield. Scary stuff happens!

I'm not the tallest person by any means. I use a outdoor broom to clean my car off. I just keep pushing until all the snow falls off.

 

[shortbun]

I totally agree but here's another PSA:

Big vehicles like buses and semis have no way of cleaning that snow off the tops so be very careful when driving behind them, especially on the freeway on a sunny day.

 

[bas71873]

MY SNOW PET PEEVE!!!!!

People drive so fast and that stuff coming flying on your windshield. Scary stuff happens!

I'm not the tallest person by any means. I use a outdoor broom to clean my car off. I just keep pushing until all the snow falls off.

HAHA. I am tall and I still get the ladder out and push it all off. I'm about go out there and start my car now and just let it run to get some of the ice off. I "cleaned" it off for the second time yesterday about 4 PM which helped, but it's time for the window scraping to begin

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

People in NC are notorious for this. It doesn't snow often, so when it does people freak out and hibernate. It's several days before they finally have to venture out for necessities and by then it's a solid chunk of ice. I think people just think it will stay there.....or they don't know how to get it off It's scary and makes me thankful for my garage!!

 

[Nancy]

I live in an area that gets snow...I think the majority of the people do not clean off the roof of their car...heck lots of them can't even be bothered to clean off their windows! I can't tell you how many I see that all that's cleaned off is what the wipers did...side windows just the front and enough to supposedly see and backs either not at all or just the driver side or wiper swipe. They can't be bothered brushing off the lights either.

 

[golfgal]

I totally agree but here's another PSA:

Big vehicles like buses and semis have no way of cleaning that snow off the tops so be very careful when driving behind them, especially on the freeway on a sunny day.

That is not true-they CHOOSE not to do it--a ladder and a long handled broom would take care of the problem easily.

I agree-this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Fortunately around here most people have and use their garages so is isn't a HUGE issue unless the snow falls during the workday.

I have a telescoping windshield scraper that has a brush on one side. It extends to 7' so I can get the top of my van cleared off.

 

[Coach K]

This is a pet peeve of mine also. I have seen chunks of ice fall off of cars while driving on the turnpike. Fortunately at the time, it didn't hit anything. I have read of accidents being caused by this and people being killed and seriously njured!!

 

[Carly_Roach]

You have to word your PSA so that it has some value to the person who'd be put out by taking the action. Telling them that their activity (or lack thereof) might harm someone else isn't a good incentive. Telling them that their activity (or lack thereof) will likely harm them is how you do it.

For example:

PSA

Clean the snow and ice off the roof of your car because anytime you stop at a light or slow down for a turn, all that snow and ice will come sliding over your windshield and will be too heavy for your wipers to remove. Take the tip: Clean the snow off before you start driving so you don't have to clean it off in the middle of a busy intersection on your way to work.

Side note: I can't tell you how many times I've giggled at someone who stopped for a red light and had the "avalanche" happen to them because they were too lazy to properly clean their car before moving it.

 

[Pluto 2]

i hate when people dont clean their roof of the vehicle

 

[kwelch10377]

This is a huge pet peeve of mine. A few years ago my dad was driving down I-295 in NJ and a huge chuck of ice came through his front windshield and missed him by just a few inches. Not only is it dangerous, but in several states is illegal not to clean off the top of your car.

 

[torinsmom]

The earlier you do this after the snow falls, the easier it will be. We had 8 inches of snow/sleet last weekend and after it was over and was a little sunny, I went out and use the handle of my shovel to get the show off the top of the car. Then I used a broom.

I have seen news reports where hunks of ice have actually broken peoples windshields when they flew off the car in front of them.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am going to hate living in a place that actually has winter. I haven't the first clue as to all the things one is supposed to do.

But if you ever get a hurricane, I'm your gal!

Hubby sent me a photo of his car when the snow began to fall (kids get a kick out of seeing his car hiding). His windshield wipers were standing straight up and I had to ask why. He said it was so they would not get stuck to the windshield.

I am going to have to get a manual.

 

[DMRick]

Just post here, and we'll tell you what you are supposed to do. Of course out snowfall has been minimal here in Upstate NY this year. We leave for Florida in 9 days..we'll prob have all our snow then, and I'll pay someone else ot clean it up!

I am going to hate living in a place that actually has winter. I haven't the first clue as to all the things one is supposed to do.

But if you ever get a hurricane, I'm your gal!

Hubby sent me a photo of his car when the snow began to fall (kids get a kick out of seeing his car hiding). His windshield wipers were standing straight up and I had to ask why. He said it was so they would not get stuck to the windshield.

I am going to have to get a manual.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just post here, and we'll tell you what you are supposed to do. Of course out snowfall has been minimal here in Upstate NY this year. We leave for Florida in 9 days..we'll prob have all our snow then, and I'll pay someone else ot clean it up!

I thought the rule was google and figure it out first before posting on the DIS?

 

[kaytieeldr]

His windshield wipers were standing straight up and I had to ask why. He said it was so they would not get stuck to the windshield.

I am going to have to get a manual

Well, there really isn't a manual - it's just stuff we "know" and share with drivers who don't (thanks, OP, by the way!). But as a newcomer to the snow zone, you could write a manual - or a blog - with tips for new arrivals!

Just post here, and we'll tell you what you are supposed to do. Of course out snowfall has been minimal here in Upstate NY this year.

Well, that's true this year (something to do with the winds from Greenland or some such foolishness, I was only halfway paying attention to the meteorologist last night), but we have so much PAST experience to share...

 

[kaytieeldr]

I thought the rule was google and figure it out first before posting on the DIS?

Normally, sure - but this is a too-specialized area to expect to find the 'right' answers via Google. We know better

 

[bballmom56]

http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/clear-snow-ice-off-your-car-or-face-new-jersey-fines

From the above article "Under current state law, motorists who fail to remove ice and snow from their vehicles and cause property damage or injury to others can be cited and fined $200 to as much as $1,000 per offense. In addition, on Oct. 19, Gov. Jon Corzine signed into law legislation amending the current statute; drivers of all vehicles (commercial and passenger) operated on any roadway in the state are required to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from all exposed surfaces prior to operation. While the change goes into effect on Oct. 20, 2010, state officials remind motorists to be pro-active and ensure that their vehicles are clear of all snow and ice."

Now define "reasonable efforts".

 

[Pixiedust34]

We spent the last few hours outside shoveling our driveway (BTW, we're still snowed in) and most of the vehicles that drove past while we were out there had a big chunk of snow/ice on the roof. They must not be Dis'ers who read my PSA.....

 

[Pixiedust34]

Bumping