Governor Rell: Failure to Remove Snow and Ice on Top of Vehicles Is Against the Law and Is Being Enforced

Incident on I-91 Today Caused By Ice Sliding From Roof

and Severing Air Brakes on Truck

In light of dozens of complaints and accidents resulting from people creating dangerous conditions on the roads by failing to remove snow and ice from their vehicles, Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that state police are enforcing the state’s “failure to secure a load” law and will be issuing citations to violators.

While the state continues to clean up from the recent snowstorms, the Governor’s Office has received many complaints of truck and other motor vehicle operators failing to comply with the law. In addition, a truck became disabled today on I-91 South in New Haven when the truck came to a stop, causing a sheet of ice to slide from its roof which severed its air brakes.

“We have all seen snow and ice fly off from car and truck roofs while on the highway,” Governor Rell said. “These ice missiles are hazards that can break windshields and cause accidents.  We want the public to know that there is a state law concerning the failure to remove snow and ice from vehicle roofs and that the law will be enforced.

“This is more than a pet peeve for many Connecticut residents -- it is a significant safety hazard and it is entirely preventable,” the Governor said. “The bottom line is that it is each driver’s responsibility to clear snow and ice from his or her vehicle.”

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