Snowdrifts with wheels
For the record: I’m not a snow lover. Oh, if it’d stay off the roads it’d be all right, but it doesn’t. Especially not when there’s 18 inches of it. There’s a worse place than that for snow, however…on top of moving vehicles! Again this morning, as after every snowfall, I see many, many vehicles with a foot of snow or more on the roof, trunk, and sometimes the hood!
Why is it so difficult to clean it off? Can’t reach? Then drive something that has a roof you can reach. Seriously, the stuff’s dangerous. They do sell brushes that extend quite a way; I have one. It’s not only SUVs; I saw a fair share of regular old sedans carrying quite a load, sometimes not even clearing off the back window.
The worst part is that long after the roads are finally clear (don’t even get me started on that adventure!) the moving snow mountains will still be toting their fluffy load.
So clean off that roof, it doesn’t take that long. If it’s an SUV or minivan, buy a brush that extends and a small footstool; problem solved. If it’s a regular sedan there isn’t even that excuse, it’s just laziness.
No, the worst part is that it is quite explicitly against the law in New Jersey since someone was killed by it a year or two ago - and I doubt any tickets have yet been given for it, though we get plenty of tickets around quota-time for things like left turn into the supermarket …
I think it was snow off a semi truck that did the deed, IIRC. Not that it matters…it’s deadly at worst and an annoyance at the extreme least. I often see Officer Friendly at a local traffic light keeping an eye out for out of date inspection stickers and drivers with no seatbelts - things you have to really look for. It’s hard to miss the mobile mounds of snow, and they’re an actual danger on the road.
Maybe I’ve seen one of them pulled over, but I can’t recall. I’ve seen more than a few of the inspection sticker/seatbelt violaters motioned over to the side of the road to be informed they’ve been selected to make a nonvoluntary contribution to the general fund…
I actively attempted to steer clear of the snow mountains this morning, but gave up when it became unrealistic. I settled for an increased following distance.
Here’s hoping the secondary roads are in better shape for the trip home!
Yes, it was indeed snow off a semi. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a snow car pulled over. I try to stay away but today on Route 4 one threw itself across three lanes to cut me off as I was passing in the left lane. Nothing like a nice panic stop on a snowy road while being buried in a blizzard from an uncleaned roof.
Those people are a danger. If I remember, Michigan also made it illegal, yet every winter vehicles of all types were barreling down the highway covered in snow. Even with my disablities, I took the time to use a broom to clean off my car before driving. It’s not like it takes a lot of time out of the “busy” schedule.