In Pennsylvania, truck drivers may soon have more responsibilities for the removal of snow and ice from atop their big rigs. Pennsylvania Senate Bill 94 would impose an affirmative responsibility on truckers with vehicles weighing 48,000 pounds or more. Truckers would have to take steps to remove accumulated snow and ice. If they failed to do so, police could pull them over and fine them between $25 and $75 per occurrence even if no snow or ice came lose while driving. If snow or ice actually fell from a moving truck and hit another person or car and caused death or serious bodily injury, the driver would be fined between $200 and $1,000 for each offense.
Laws requiring the removal of snow and ice are necessary to prevent Pennsylvania truck accidents from occurring. Just recently, reports indicated the driver of an SUV was injured because ice fell off a truck and broke his windshield. Some states already have such laws in place, and others are considering passing them. Penske warns long-haul truck drivers to be aware of the variances in state laws as they cross the country to make their deliveries.
Truck Drivers Need to Prevent Truck Accidents by Removing Snow and Ice
Trucking Info indicates some truckers are objecting to the proposed Pennsylvania law on removal of snow and ice. Truckers are concerned at the lack of clarity regarding a requirement they take reasonable steps to try to remove snow and ice. Sometimes, snow and ice cannot be removed easily, which puts truckers in a bad position. The tops of tractor trailers cannot be walked on because the tops of the vehicles are made of sensitive fiberglass. This also complicates the snow removal process because the top of the vehicle could be scratched or damaged.
Metzger, WickershamYork Area 1541 East Market Street York, PA 17403 (717) 843-0502
