We've all griped about neighbors who don't shovel their sidewalks or carriage walks. But what about drivers who don't clear off their car windows, sometimes leaving just a tiny peephole to see -- or try to see -- where they're going? What happens when they back up? Or change lanes?
Turns out it can be a dangerous and costly mistake. State Patrol spokesman Lt. Eric Roeske says drivers are required to clear their windows of snow and ice, and that troopers do take action if they see someone driving with an "obstructed view." The fine varies county by county but generally runs from $115 to $135.
Often, though, it's too late. Roeske said the Patrol most often sees ice- or snow-covered windows at accident scenes.
Roeske says he chalks it up to laziness or ignorance. The lazy ones, he says, hope it will blow off or melt with the defrosters. The ignorant ones, he said, just think they can somehow drive safely.
I'm not sure if it's our never-ending rotation of snow and cold this winter but I've seen more drivers who can barely see out of their windows. What have you noticed? Do you think it's a problem? Are the fines steep enough?
