Richmond RCMP asks drivers to clear snow off cars

Police are asking drivers to make sure to clear the snow completely off of cars, to help keep riders and pedestrians safe.

The province is warning drivers to avoid non-essential travel if they can, but if you’re heading out, Mounties are asking people to make sure locals get their cars ready beforehand.

Corporal Adrianna O’Malley with the Richmond RCMP says the Road Safety Unit stopped about 100 vehicles in the span of three hours on Sunday to remove excess snow.

3 hours = 100 vehicles stopped to remove excess snow. #RichmondRCMP Road Safety Unit reminding drivers on the dangers of driving with an obstructed view. If you have to be on the road give yourself extra time and clear away the snow. Drive safely #RichmondBC. pic.twitter.com/PfCEzy55Nh

— Richmond RCMP (@RichmondRCMP) December 20, 2022

“Those that aren’t clearing the sides of their vehicle or their rear window, they can’t…see properly the vehicles next to them. So if they’re doing a lane change, or if they’re turning a corner, they may miss a pedestrian,” she explained.

O’Malley says that it’s not just the snow blocking the front windshield, she says all of the snow on the car should be wiped off.

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She explains that hard chunks of snow can fly off and damage other cars.

“If it’s hardened and it becomes ice-like and it comes off, it could potentially cause an accident, or damage a vehicle, or injure a pedestrian that may be walking by,” she said.

“Sometimes people say, ‘why the light fluffy snow,’ well, …as it flies off the vehicle it can blind a car behind them,” she explained.

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