Driver with snow-covered windshield to police: 'Don't worry'
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 5:25 PM - A Vancouver police officer says he was "taken aback" by the excuse a driver gave for leaving his car's windshield almost completely covered in snow.
“I left the snow on the windshield. But don’t worry. I’ve moved my seat up. I can see over it,” Const. Jason Doucette recalled the driver saying to CTV Vancouver.
“It’s not the right response,” Doucette added.
The driver, who was travelling at about 50 km/h on West 4th Avenue Monday morning, has been fined for leaving three quarters of his window covered in snow.
In a tweet, the Vancouver Police Department reminded the public that fines start at $81 for driving with an obstructed view in the city.
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The reminder comes in the midst of a snowy week for the city, with additional accumulation expected on Friday.
Winter driving tips
- Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.
- Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your Owner's Manual for directions and details.
- In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle's engine.
- Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield can cause nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.
- If you're planning a trip, take a blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.
- Put on snow tires if you live in major snow belt areas. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for details and recommended practices.
- Take care of your windshield: Make sure your vehicle has antifreeze rated for the coldest weather.
- It's also a smart idea to replace your windshield wipers every year before winter begins or purchase winter rated windshield wipers.
- Lights On, Please!: In rainy or snowy weather, turn on your headlamps and tail lamps. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle in their rearview mirrors
- Snow on the Roof: If you live in a snow belt, don't let snow pile up on top of your car or truck. Peaks of snow increase drag and decrease gas mileage. Also, don't let snow pile up in the bed of your pickup. It can cause an obstruction of your view and the view of other drivers.
- Battery efficiency: Most cold-weather breakdowns occur because batteries aren't delivering full cranking power. Get your battery checked and make sure battery cables are corrosion-free
- All-season vs. winter tires: Although all-season tires can be used in a moderate winter environment, winter tires provide the best cold weather performance below 7°C. This includes wet and dry in addition to snow/ice/slush surfaces where greater tread flexibility leads to better grip
- Loss of Pressure: Tires will lose pressure when the temperature gets colder. The general rule provided by tire manufacturers is 7kpa or 1psi drop for every 5 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit change, so measuring tire pressures year-round is vital.