On Christmas Day in 2005, Christine Lambert was killed when a piece of ice fell from a passing truck and crashed through her windshield.
To prevent deaths like hers, Pennsylvania lawmakers unanimously passed "Christine's Law" in July.
- Pennsylvania law now requires drivers to clean snow off their cars before traveling
- State Sen. Lisa Boscola was one of the bill's most persistent supporters
- Drivers will be fined for non-compliance
State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh, was one of Senate Bill 1094's staunchest and most persistent supporters.
“This means the world to me," Boscola said in July, "Not only because it passed unanimously here in the Senate after so long, but because it is so important to the Lambert family,” Boscola said. “Her husband and son have been advocating for this law ever since that tragic accident and we’re finally here.”
In the past, drivers couldn't be pulled over for snow buildup. They could only be fined when someone was injured by snow or ice from their car.
Now, if drivers don't clear their vehicles, police can pull them over and fine them $50. If the snow or ice hits another vehicle or pedestrian and causes serious injury or death, the fine is increased to $200-$1,500. The old maximum fine was $1,000.
Tor Michaels, chief of staff for Centre County representative Scott Conklin, said the law was a long time coming.
"It's really common-sense legislation," Michaels said.
"...It just takes several minutes of care before you get into that vehicle in order to remedy the situation."Tor Michaels, chief of staff for state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre
The law says drivers have 24 hours after a storm to clear their hood, trunk, and roof, but Michaels said everyone should clear their vehicles before driving every time — even if it hasn't been 24 hours.
Copyright 2022 WPSU. To see more, visit WPSU.