WINTER SAFETY

As the snow continues to pile up here in Southwest Michigan, residents are reminded to be cautious as they plow snow.  Many residents are not aware that plowing or blowing snow from driveways or walkways onto the roadway is against the law.  Further, the Vehicle Code prohibits piling snow in a manner which obstructs the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.  This includes the ends of driveways where snow can pile up quickly reducing a driver’s visibility and creating a safety hazard.

Careless plowing that leaves a trail of snow on the roadway while plowing a road can also cause serious problems to unsuspecting motorists.  It also narrows the roadway at that location creating a potentially dangerous situation for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.  The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is working together with the Road Commission to warn and/or cite residents for violations of the Vehicle Code.

Michigan winters often create difficult, and sometimes hazardous driving conditions.  Snow, ice and slush test even the most seasoned drivers.  The Road Commission’s goal is to provide roadways that are reasonably safe for winter travel.  Please do not plow, blow or shovel snow into the roads, or allow your contractor to do so as you can be held responsible for his or her actions.  

For more information, please visit the Road Commission’s website at www.vbcrc.org.  Or become a Road Commission Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/VBCRC.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Persons cited and convicted for plowing snow across the road may receive 2 points added to their license and a $90 fine.  See Statute below:

257.677a Obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush prohibited.

Sec. 677a.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Person” shall not include the state or a political subdivision of the state or an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state operating within the scope of his duties.

(b) “Safety vision” means an unobstructed line of sight enabling a driver to travel upon, enter, or exit a roadway in a safe manner.

(2) A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other than off-road vehicles.

(3) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.

(4) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway.