Don't Be This Guy: Clear Your Vehicle, Police Say

HOWELL, NJ -- While much of New Jersey spent Sunday digging out driveways, New Jersey State Police reminded residents that clearing snow and ice off vehicles is a safety matter: “Snow and ice blowing off of roofs cause dangerous driving conditions.”

But apparently not everyone got the memo, as Howell Township Police Chief Andrew Kudrick reports Monday on Facebook:

“This morning, Patrolman (John) Lopez conducted a motor vehicle stop on this vehicle. Although the driver believed it was ok to drive this way, it is extremely unsafe. Visibility is greatly reduced and the dislodging snow is dangerous to others. Besides, it is state law to remove ice and snow from your vehicle prior to travel. Please don’t don’t be “that guy.”

Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle, according to the state attorney general’s office. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

There are approximately 500 fatalities in the United States per year due to icy road conditions, the attorney general’s office notes on its website.

(Photos via Howell Police Communications 911 Facebook page)