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Bill Would Require Drivers To Clear Snow From Vehicles

BOSTON (CBS) - If you have gotten sprayed by the ice and snow from an uncleared car or truck after one of this season's storms, you may be interested in a proposal from a Beacon Hill lawmaker.

Rep. Cleon Turner of Dennis wants to fine drivers up to $500 for not cleaning all the snow off their vehicle before hitting the road.

"You will see snow and ice chunks flying off of vehicles, and especially larger trucks, that sometimes crash to the road and sometimes land on other vehicles," Turner told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones. "They have in the past caused some serious motor vehicle damage to other vehicles, and injuries."

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WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

"We actually had in committee hearings in the last legislative session people who came in and testified who were physically injured in accidents where big chunks of ice came off from commercial vehicles, came through the windshield and seriously injured people, including in one case shearing somebody's ear right off."

The language of the bill calls for:

"...ALL motor vehicles with a roof area larger than 10 square feet shall not be operated on public roads if an accumulation of snow or ice on the roof of the vehicle exceeds ¼ inch thick. The responsibility to remove the excess snow/ice is bestowed upon the operator of the vehicle, and a fine of $100 would be instated for each offense that does not inflict personal injury or property damage, and a $500 fine for offenses resulting in personal injuries or property damage."

It's the fourth time in four terms that Turner has submitted his bill. He is hoping it gets some traction this time.

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