MILLERSVILLE, Md. — Drivers failing to clear ice and snow off their cars are creating scary road hazard conditions in the aftermath of Sunday's storm.
Multiple incidents were reported Wednesday throughout Maryland.
In one case a large sheet of ice slid off a car and flew into the windshield of an Anne Arundel County Sheriff's cruiser.
Flying sheet of ice shatters windshield of Anne Arundel County Sheriff's cruiser on Rt. 97
This happened along Route 97 in Millersville.
“Basically, a piece of ice off a vehicle came… he was three cars behind this vehicle. So he saw the ice coming,” said Corporal Angie Hines, “Still dark out. He didn’t have time to swerve to get around it so the ice hit the windshield. Broke up all the lights and everything inside the vehicle.”
Despite the shattered windshield the deputy maintained control behind the wheel, avoiding a crash.
The deputy was wearing glasses, preventing shards of glass and ice from getting in his eyes. Still, he had to be treated at a local hospital for cuts to his face and hands.
“It’s very dangerous. We see it every day, vehicles with ice, snow piled up,” said Hines, “They don’t clean the car fully, which is dangerous to other vehicles that’s passing or driving behind them.”
A similar situation also occurred along northbound I-95 and the Tydings Bridge, in Cecil County on Wednesday.
The Susquehanna Hose Company reported two people being hospitalized after a chunk of ice went through the windshield of a car traveling in the area.
As these scenarios become more common, Maryland lawmakers have introduced House Bill 474, also known as "Clear Before You Drive Act," that would require snow and ice to be cleared off car roofs and windshields.
In the meantime, officials recommend creating more distance between your vehicle and ones driving in front of you to lower the risk of potential property damage and/or injury.
“Three to four cars is what we’re suggesting, but also if you see where they still have big chunks of ice on their car, change lanes, try to avoid being behind those vehicles," said Anne Arundel County Fire Captain Jenny Macallair.
