Harrisburg, April 21, 2021 — The state Senate today approved Sen. Lisa Boscola’s and Sen. Dan Laughlin’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 in 2005. She died when a large piece of ice dislodged from a passing truck and crashed through her windshield. Boscola has introduced her Christine’s Law bill in every Senate session following the tragic accident.
“I am encouraged by today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote,” Boscola said. “I hope my House colleagues will act soon on the bill.”
The Northampton County lawmaker said her bill is aimed at building public awareness about highway safety and responsibility.
“Hopefully, this measure would encourage more people to clear snow and ice from their vehicles,” she said, adding that her proposal would bolster existing law by deterring drivers and preventing tragedies before they happen.
Senator Laughlin echoed Senator Boscola’s sentiments. “As someone who has had to dodge flying sheets of ice and snow while driving to and from Harrisburg, I wholeheartedly can say that Christine’s law is a good and necessary piece of legislation. Most responsible drivers already take the time to clear their vehicles of snow and ice. Unfortunately, there are far too many who do not and become a hazard to everyone else out on the roads after a storm. This measure empowers our law enforcement officers to intervene before a tragedy and makes certain our roads are safer to travel during the winter months.”
The state’s 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, the bill unanimously passed the Senate but stalled in the House of Representatives prior to session concluding last November. Boscola said today’s Senate passage ensures that the House of Representatives has ample time for review and action.
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