Clear Vehicles of Snow and Ice and Stay Safe on the Road!

In February of 2004, Buffalo Grove Police Officer Chris Senese was conducting a stationary traffic enforcement on a local street. As he was legally parked on the side of the road, he was rear-ended by a driver who had not fully cleared snow off their car - and therefore did not see the squad car at the side of the road. Officer Senese sustained significant injuries relating to this incident, which ultimately ended his career with the Village.

Now that winter is in full force, it’s an important reminder that all motorists should fully clear windshields, side windows and even the roofs of vehicles, of snow and/or ice before driving anywhere. While driving, be vigilant of all surroundings, and not just what is directly in front of the vehicle.

There are also potential hazards that are exaggerated during wintry weather conditions that can cause a crash.

Examples are a pedestrian suddenly crossing the street in front of a moving vehicle, or a car entering the roadway quickly from a side street or parking lot. Unless you have clear vision through your windshield and side windows, these hazards may be difficult to see until it’s too late. Having a full view provides motorists with the opportunity to slow down, change lanes, or make other maneuvers that can prevent crashes from occurring in the first place. This starts with clearing any snow and ice from your vehicle before heading out.

Illinois vehicle code 12-503(d) requires the vehicles be ‘fully cleared’ meaning any and all ice, snow or moisture removed prior to driving the vehicle, so that it does not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the highway.

Please don’t put yourself or others in harm’s way; take an extra couple of minutes to clear snow from the roof, windshield, side windows, and rear window. Not only does this help the vision of the driver, but also other motorists who won’t be blinded by snow or ice blowing off your vehicle in their vicinity.

Also, be sure to keep headlights, brake lights, and license plates clear during winter weather. Headlights and brake lights can light up the area in front of a vehicle and alert drivers of the intention to stop or turn. They will not work effectively if they are covered in a thick layer of snow.

Finally, vehicles in Illinois are required to have unobstructed, legal license plates on them when they are on the roadway. If police can’t see the plates, there is no way of knowing if this requirement has been fulfilled - and it is a justification for a vehicle to be stopped by police.