Unfamiliar Pennsylvania Rules of the Road
As Pennsylvania drivers, it is important that we keep informed of newly enacted motor vehicle laws. Abiding by the rules of the road protects the motoring public. Where a driver violates a rule and causes injury to another, may be liable for the injuries caused. The following list contains a few motor vehicle laws that may not be very familiar to Pennsylvania drivers.
Unfamiliar Pennsylvania Vehicle Laws
- “Clearing off your vehicle” law – 75 Pa. C.S. 3720. This law mandates that before you drive your car in winter, you must remove all snow and ice from your vehicle. The law is designed to prevent injuries to those who are hit with snow or ice that falls from a moving vehicle as well as to increase driving visibility. A few weeks ago, many people witnessed videos depicting sheets of snow and ice sliding off the tops of tractor-trailers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. If a person had been injured by snow and ice that had not been cleared from a vehicle, the driver would be subject to a hefty fine.
- “Running Lamp” law- 75 Pa. C.S. 4302. Most drivers are familiar with this law requiring that vehicle lights be illuminated between sunset and sunrise, as well as when weather conditions are unfavorable (such as fog, snow, smoke or smog). Some drivers may not be as familiar with the section of the Pennsylvania law requiring that vehicle lights be on every time windshield wipers are in use. This law is designed to promote the visibility of vehicles and pedestrians, and will likely reduce motor vehicle accidents as well as injuries.
- “Steer Clear” law- 75 Pa. C.S. 3327. This law requires drivers to move over or slow down when there is an emergency scene, a disabled vehicle, or a traffic stop on or off a roadway. The law is designed to protect both drivers as well as first responders at the scene of an accident or any other emergency. Many of us have observed vehicles that have been stopped by the police or fender-benders on the side of the roadway. This law simply requires drivers to move over when possible or slow down when it is not possible to move over. If a driver violates this law, they may be subject to a fine. If a person is injured due to a violation of this law, the law mandates that the driver have his driving privileges suspended for 90 days.
Staying Safe on Pennsylvania Roads
We can all work toward preventing vehicle accidents and injuries by complying with laws enacted for safe driving, and by being careful and using common sense while operating a motor vehicle. Being aware of recently enacted vehicle laws is the first step to avoiding serious injuries.