'Ice missiles' damaging windshields along highways
Delaware commuters should be aware of “ice missiles” damaging vehicles on state highways after a number of reported incidents, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“Ice missiles” is what the agency's Public and Government Affairs Director Jim Lardear called the frozen snow and ice flying from the roof of vehicles and damaging cars. The problem stems from drivers not being considerate of other drivers while on the road, Lardear said. His solution: Delawareans in a hurry allow more time for their daily commutes.
“Give yourself more time to drive slow and also make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice,” Lardear said. “It’s common sense for your safety and everyone on the road.”
Lardear said frozen snow left on vehicles can either slide down in front of the windshield or blow onto a vehicle that follows. In each case, the mishap causes drivers to become distracted while on the road.
“In winter, when you’re dealing with ice and treachery conditions, adding snow and ice is only compounding what is already a difficult commute to winter weather,” Lardear said.
While the clearing of snow and ice from the tops of trailers is very difficult and often unsafe, there are solutions, Lardear said. Truckers could use equipment – although often expensive – at truck rest areas, weigh stations and private truck stops.
Motorists should be cautious of driving around large trucks in poor weather conditions, choosing to avoid traveling alongside or in close proximity when ice or snow is seen flying off trucks.
On Wednesday, a Delaware driver was one of many reported to have suffered from "ice missiles" damaging their vehicle.
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Andru Duranso, of Dover, said he was driving on I-95 when his Ford Explorer was damaged by ice falling off trucks following Tuesday’s snowstorm.
“The police said I wasn’t the only one that this happened to today,” Duranson said.
Duranso was uninjured but said that incident could've been worse.
Master Cpl. Jeffrey Hale, a Delaware State Police spokesman, said law enforcement is aware of at least four incidents of windshields becoming damaged as a result of ice flying from cars. However, Hale said a total number of incidents had not confirmed at this time.
In 2014, Sen. Greg Lavelle, R-Sharpley, introduced an affirmative duty “to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice and snow from certainly exposed surfaces of the vehicle prior to operation,” on Delaware highways. The proposal did not come to fruition.
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states already impose fines for failure to remove snow and ice.
Contact Alonzo Small at (302) 324-2856 or asmall@delawareonline.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @P_AlonzoSmall.
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