30 Years Of Efficient, Effective Legal Resolutions

Do I have to clean off my entire car after every snowstorm?

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes winter driving. You may know to reduce your speed, drive with an emergency kit, or have a car with ABS brakes, which automatically pulse when the system detects that a wheel is skidding. But what about safety measures you can take before you even start the car?

If you’ve ever parked on the street during a snowstorm, you know what a chore it can be to sweep all the snow off before heading out. Some people do a few quick “good enough” swipes and are on their way. While there are no laws in Wyoming that explicitly require you to remove all the snow from your car (aside from the front windshield, which must have working windshield wipers), cleaning off your entire car after a snowfall can help protect both you and other drivers on the road.

The importance of brake lights

Even on sunny and warm days, you need to know when vehicles in front of you are slowing or stopping. That need becomes more urgent in heavy snow, as people don’t brake for something they can’t see. Spending a few minutes sweeping the snow away from your brake lights may reduce your chances of having a potentially catastrophic rear-end collision.

Clear off the whole car

You should also clear snow from the top, sides, front and rear of your vehicle. Snow that slides off of a moving car can land on someone’s windshield, obstructing their view or worse. It can also cause other drivers to take evasive action that ends in an injury. And leaving snow or ice stuck to the windows seriously compromises your ability to see what’s going on around you, which could also lead to a crash. It’s best to clean off the whole car every time, even if you don’t want to.

While you certainly can take steps to keep your vehicle safe during inclement weather, you cannot control what other drivers do. Ultimately, if someone’s failure to remove snow and ice causes an accident that injuries you, you may be eligible for considerable financial compensation.