The bitter cold that followed winter storm Stella into the region may have kept some drivers from spending more time outside clearing the snow of the roofs of their cars, but that can be a costly shortcut.
Failure to clear the snow from the roof is a serious safety concern, as chunks of ice can fly of the top of the car while it is being driven.
“We’ve had over 20 vehicles that have already been struck,” Maryland State Police Lt. Prendi Garcia said. “That includes front glass and so forth, and we’re just trying to make sure that everybody is safe.”
In at least one case in Maryland this week, a driver of a struck car had to go to a hospital.
“When you think about ice, it’s just as hard as a rock, and if your vehicle is traveling at 55 mph and an object falls from your vehicle, it’s going to travel at that speed or about that same speed,” Garcia said.
Police can stop cars they believe are safety violations. Fines ranges from $50 to $150.
