Jessica’s Law Requires New Hampshire Motorists to Remove Snow and Ice From Vehicles

December 20, 2019

In 2002, New Hampshire lawmakers passed Jessica’s Law in response to the tragic death of a 20-year-old woman who died when ice flew off a moving truck, hitting another truck, which then collided with the young woman’s vehicle. The woman’s mother lobbied for the law to prevent other parents from having to suffer the tragedy that her family endured. The law allows police officers to fine drivers between $250 and $500 for first offenses, and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Moreover, drivers who fail to abide by this law and cause New Hampshire car accidents may face civil personal injury lawsuits as well. These negligent drivers may have to pay compensation for the damages that they caused.

These violations are taken seriously by police because the consequences of flying snow and ice can be deadly to New Hampshire drivers, motorists, and pedestrians. Flying snow and ice can cause property damage to other vehicles, vision obstruction, and loss of control. Statistics indicate that close to 2,000 deaths and 137,000 injuries occur each year related to icy and snowy road conditions. Snow and ice removal before traveling does not take much time and can go a long way toward preventing a potentially fatal situation.

In some cases, ice and snow accumulate while a driver is already on the road. To address these situations, safety experts recommend that drivers keep a roadside safety kit in their car. Some essential items in the kit include cables, blankets, ice scrapers, and kitty litter. These items can help drivers safely and quickly remove snow while they are on the go. Additionally, it is a good practice for drivers to check a vehicle’s brakes, batteries, lights, tires, and seat belts before the winter driving season.

Although the law requires drivers to remove snow and ice from their cars, many people ignore their duty and continue to drive unsafely with snow and ice buildup. Statistics indicate that New Hampshire police recently have pulled over close to 300 drivers for violating this statute. Additionally, accidents because of snow and ice buildup continue to occur throughout the winter months in New Hampshire.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because a New Hampshire driver failed to remove snow or ice off their vehicle, you should contact the dedicated injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our law firm understand the emotional, physical, and financial impact that these types of accidents can have on a person and their loved ones. These accidents can cause severe injuries and significant property damage. New Hampshire drivers should face liability for the damages caused by their negligence. We have helped countless New Hampshire car accident victims get the compensation that they deserve after being involved in accidents in which winter weather played a role. Compensation frequently includes payments for medical bills, future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, loss of consortium, burial and funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates at 800-804-2004 to schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.