Clear snow from your car, P.E.I. RCMP urge

Between heavy snowfalls and freezing rain, clearing off your car in the morning can be a hassle but it's an important task for your safety and the safety of others, Island police say.

RCMPare reminding drivers to clear off all windows and roofs as well as license plates before heading out.

"Unfortunately every year when we get a snowfall, there seems to be a number of people that I'll say are negligent or tardy in removing snow from their vehicle," Staff Sgt. KevinBailliesaid.

Visibility concern

The main reason is visibility, in particular for shoulder-checking, he said. P.E.I. law dictates that motorists shouldn't drive when windows are completely or partially covered by ice, snow or other debris. Doing so can lead to a fine of up to $175.

Baillie said RCMP hand out about 10 tickets a year but prefer to issue warnings and ask drivers to clear off their car before continuing if they're pulled over.

Snow flies off

Baillie said drivers can be charged with having an insecure load if snow or ice comes off their car while driving.

He said snow or ice on the roof of a car is also a hazard because it can slide onto the windshield as the vehicle heats up.

As well as a $175 fine and surcharge, you could be held civilly liable for snow or ice that comes off your vehicle and strikes another vehicle. Kevin Baillie

"Probably one of the more scary consequences of having snow or ice on your vehicle is if it comes off on the highway at speeds and strikes another vehicle, it could break a windshield or strike a pedestrian," he said.

"As well as a $175 fine and surcharge, you could be held civilly liable for snow or ice that comes off your vehicle and strikes another vehicle."

Failing to clear your roof also creates other problems, Baillie noted, such as increasing the car's centre of gravity, which makes it easier to roll over at a curve, and increasing the weight of the car, which uses more gas.

Bailliealso said drivers of newer vehicles with LED lights should be aware they don't throw off as much heat as old lights, which means it's easier for snow and ice to build up while driving, particularly longer distances. Drivers should pull off at a service station every so often, he said, to make sure their lights aren't being obstructed.

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