PENNSYLVANIA — A driver on U.S. Route 22 was taken to the hospital after a slab of ice flew off the top of an eastbound tractor-trailer and punched through the windshield of her Subaru Crosstrek traveling in the westbound lanes, underscoring the dangers of snow and ice left on vehicles during winter weather.

Witnesses described the terrifying moment the ice struck. “It was kind of a little bit dangerous. I didn’t want to stay close because I was afraid it would crack my windshield,” said Drazen Cvijanovic of Westchester. Another driver compared the impact to “hitting a brick wall,” as the ice shattered glass and sent debris through the cabin.

^{Photo credit: Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company}

PennDOT officials used the incident to remind motorists — especially commercial drivers — that Pennsylvania’s “Christine’s Law” requires drivers to make “reasonable efforts” to remove accumulated snow and ice from vehicles, including the roof, within 24 hours after snowfall ends.

“It’s a safety factor, but it’s also the law,” PennDOT’s Sean Brown said. But some truckers argue removal isn’t always easy. “You can’t (clear a tractor-trailer off) … There’s no way to do it. It’s not like there is a facility I can go to to clean it off,” said Chris, a trucker from Philadelphia.

Under the law, drivers can be stopped if buildup appears hazardous, and a violation can bring a $50 fine even if nothing falls off. If snow or ice dislodges and causes death or serious bodily injury, the fine increases to $200 to $1,500.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.