Clean it-Scrape it-Melt it, just make sure you can see out your vehicle windows

The Halton Regional Police Service responds to countless Motor Vehicle Collisions each year, a majority of which are later deemed avoidable.

At this time of the year many of these accidents are determined to be caused by the driver simply not taking the time to adequately remove snow & ice from their windshield, side windows and rear window to safely see in all directions as the law requires.

The short time it takes to remove snow or ice can be the difference from a safe commute to work to involvement in a collision which can include a charge under the Highway Traffic Act. Even if you weren’t the cause of the accident or in an accident at all, you can still be charged.

The Ontario Highway Traffic act, section 74 (1) (a) states, no person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway unless the windshield and the windows on either side of the compartment containing the steering wheel are in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the front and side of the motor vehicle & Section 74 (1) (b) unless the rear window is in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the rear of the motor vehicle.

Section 74 (2) exempts 74 (1) (b), Does not apply to a motor vehicle that is equipped with a mirror or mirrors securely attached to the motor vehicle and placed in such a position and maintained in such a condition as to afford the driver, otherwise than through the rear window, a clearly-reflected view of the roadway in the rear or of any vehicle approaching from the rear.

This still requires the side view mirrors to be clear to enable viewing.

Please don’t take chances, clear your windshield and don’t forget to buckle up and hang up before your set your vehicle in motion!

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