Winter is officially here, which means snow- and ice-covered vehicles and roadways.

Last Thursday, the Lehigh Valley experienced its first taste of winter weather with snow, sleet and a wintery mix of snow and rain.

Recently I read an article titled “New Pa. Law Forces Motorists to Clear Sow, Ice off Vehicles” in the November/December 2022 issue of the AAA Traveler.

According to the article, “Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed Christine’s Law into effect July 11, which requires motorists to thoroughly remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before driving.”

The articles further states, state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, first introduced this legislation in 2006 in response to the death of Christine Lambert on Christmas Day 2005 after a 10-inch chuck of ice dislodged from a box truck and crashed through her windshield.

Theresa Podguski, AAA East Central director of legislative affairs is quoted as saying, “This new law will help to improve road safety for Pennsylvanians.

“Snow and/or ice which has accumulated on a vehicle can be hazardous. It not only decreases visibility but may blow off the vehicle and cause serious injury and/or death to other roadway users.”

The article further states, “Under the new law, drivers have up to 24 hours after a snowstorm ends to clear the accumulation off their vehicles. Following the allotted time, the law takes effect and motorists could be pulled over for the violation.”

In addition to cleaning the snow and ice off your vehicle, having it in proper working order is the best way to drive safely during hazardous winter conditions.

Several ways to prepare your vehicle for winter driving include:

·Replacing worn out tires or having properly aired up tires on your vehicle, because having good traction during hazardous winter conditions is important.

·Make sure the defroster and heater, as well as all lights and wipers are working properly, and the battery is fully charged.

·Top off all fluid levels especially the windshield fluid.

·Make sure your vehicle has enough gas in the tank to prevent it from freezing.

·Before departing, make sure your seat and mirrors are in the correct position so you can drive safely and see other motorists approaching your vehicle.

Other things to consider when driving this winter season:

·Allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination and drive slowly.

·Allow extra stopping distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

·Try to avoid driving when visibility is poor: and

·Stay off cellphone while driving and keep distractions to a minimum.

Make sure you have emergency supplies such as flares, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, blanket, water, nonperishable food, a cellphone charger and that your phone is fully charged, and a bag of salt or kitty litter should you break down or stranded due to a road closure.

Also, when traveling this winter be respectful of other motorist on the roadways and highways.

But most importantly use common sense when driving in winter road conditions.

Let’s all follow the advice provided by AAA about cleaning the snow off our vehicles as well as preparing our vehicle for winter driving conditions.

Making driving safe for everyone this winter can save lives.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press