Truck drivers in Pennsylvania soon may be required to remove snow and ice from their trucks before getting behind the wheel. A state lawmaker is pushing a bill that would allow a police officer to determine if snow or ice poses a threat. And if it does, you'll have to pay up.
Truck drivers tell us it's a big inconvenience to clean snow and ice off, but they know it's all about safety. And because of that, they're all for it.
Joe Mitchell has been driving trucks for 22 years. His company requires drivers to clear off their trucks.
"It's not an easy job. Especially if you've got a fleet of trucks and you've got to get the snow off all of them. I mean, it's pretty hard," said Mitchell.
He has mixed feelings about the legislature deciding whether to fine drivers who don't clear off their trucks. But, he wants to keep other drivers safe, too.
"I mean, if you've got caked on snow up there it can come down and cause some damage but sometimes we get a dusting and it's still required to get that snow off there," said Mitchell.
State senator, Lisa Boscola, has reintroduced legislation that would require the removal of snow and ice from tractor trailers before driving. If passed, a police officer would determine if the ice or snow poses a threat to people or property. Fines could range from $25 to $75.
"While public awareness is key, we must underscore the seriousness of this issue with the force of law," said Boscola.
Current law only penalizes drivers if ice debris cause serious injury or death. Boscola drafted this legislation because of the death of a Northampton County woman. She was killed by piece of flying ice while driving to visit her family on Christmas day in 2005.
"Right through the air, smashed through the windshield, and killed her instantly. The truck driver never stopped, likely he didn't even know what happened," said Boscola.
People who have experienced those dangerous moments behind trucks say Boscola's bill is a good idea.
"I think it's a dangerous situation when you're on a highway like 81 and a truck has snow on the top and it hits the windshield. It's happened to me once or twice," said Kevin Keating.