Bethlehem, PA – March 17, 2021 – The PA Senate Transportation Committee today unanimously approved Senator Lisa Boscola’s legislation that would require drivers to remove ice or snow from their vehicles within 24 hours following heavy snow or ice storms.
Named “Christine’s Law,” Boscola said Senate Bill 114 would help prevent tragedies like the one that befell Christine Lambert of Palmer Township on Christmas Day 2005. She died when a large piece of ice dislodged from a passing box truck and crashed through her windshield.
“I have been fighting to get this law on the books ever since that tragic accident over 15 years ago,” Boscola said. “I am hopeful the full Senate and then the House will act on this legislation so it will be law by next winter.”
“My bill is about safety and responsibility,” Boscola said. “Hopefully, Christine’s Law will increase public awareness and make people more vigilant about clearing snow and ice from their vehicles.”
She said her proposal would strengthen the existing law by deterring drivers and preventing tragedies before they happen.
The current law only penalizes a driver when serious bodily harm occurs from a snow or ice projectile. Christine’s Law would be more proactive, giving police officers discretion to pull over a vehicle where the buildup of ice or snow poses a potential hazard.
Last session, Boscola’s bill, also Senate Bill 114, unanimously passed the Senate in October 2019, but was not voted on by the House of Representatives prior to session concluding last November. Boscola said she hopes her bill will be acted upon by the full Senate soon to give the House more time for review and action.
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