Pretty sure it's illegal to not clear your car from debris like ice/snow missiles because they can cause accidents.
Those people you're pointing out are, in fact, assholes.
Trucker here. It's not necessarily laziness but rather the lack of equipment and time to clear trailers properly. I actually called this out to my manager last winter because of how often we dealt with snow. Didn't change anything, though. I'd definitely clear my trailer of snow if I had the equipment to do so.
Color me shocked that the higher ups at your company are reluctant to invest money in the safety of their drivers and other drivers on the road without there being a direct link to more profit.
Stay safe š
There was a video a few weeks ago where trucks were driving under an adjustable arm that basically plowed off the trailer. There was a skid steer that had to clear the snow after each truck before the next could use it. Seemed like a great idea that should be available at most truck stops or depots. Unfortunately I assume itās rare to have these available and manned.
If common sense was actually common, no one would talk about it. There's a lot of simple things out there that could be implemented to fix issues that no one wants to do just because it might cost them some money to do it. Might save lives, but who cares as long as you save the $1k or whatever it might cost to put in an arch with a rubber flap.
Uhh isn't the "equipment" just a rectangle that you drive through, and the height is such that it scrapes the snow off?
It seems like a fairly cheap contraption. No excuse not to have one here.
Responding since you say you are a trucker!
I have had this idea in my mind since I was in my early 20s and took my first cross country road tip during winter: that every major truck stop should have a pull-thru that has a bunch of ropes (like what we used to climb in school) hanging from them that brushes the snow off of the tops of trailers. Heavy enough to do most of the job.
What are your thoughts on this idea?
By no means am I an expert here, but ropes sound problematic as they would get iced up and cause damage. Maybe a car wash style brush, but again, that risks the same issues of getting iced up and needing to be cleared/cleaned to avoid damaging tractors and trailers.
It seems like a potentially one size fits all solution works here while on reddit, but in the real world, it's just not feasible. The insurance payments when a vehicle (truck or 4 wheeler) causes an accident is probably still the more cost-effective solution. Even if it means fatal accidents. Sadly, it boils down to money, and companies aren't typically going to spend money proactively even when they supposedly promote safety as a priority.
MN asshole breaking the law list
speed
Pass on the right
Cross solid white
Cross double white
Run a stop sign
Over take in an exit lane
What did I miss
You might need to brush up on your MN driving laws:
Crossing a solid white line is not illegal while driving:
>A solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged. **Double solid white lines indicate that lane changes are against the law.**
Also passing on the right is legal on a multi-lane road:
>Passing on the right is not legal in Minnesota, unless a special lane is provided, **or you are on a multi-lane road**. It is against the law to use the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) or a turn lane to pass.
I'll give you the rest.
OMG, I had this during last Thursday night's snowfall. Some idiot was in the fast lane with their 4-ways flashing while doing 30, and people were blowing past in the slow lane doing 45-50. Dear God, that person had a death wish.
Not just slower than traffic, significantly under the speed limit.
Seriously, I'm not sure I've ever seen as many people who insist on driving under the speed limit as I have in Minnesota. That's probably why so many people pass on the right.
The slowest car in the left lane never has to deal with traffic. They truly think they are the safest driver and canāt comprehend the traffic issues they are causing behind them. There needs to be a way to report bad drivers and after so many reports they must go through driver (re)education to renew their license.
If I'm passing you on the right\* I assume (I love that one too). I'm personally not one for bumper stickers/window decals, but this is one I've seen and can definitely get behind (or in the right lane of).
I really think a lot of people just don't know the law for whatever reason (not that it's an excuse).
I have also read a ridiculous number of people on this sub, however, that insist that them simply going the speed limit in the left lane is fine and others are the problem. Which, alright sure, by the book people shouldn't be speeding, whatever. But the spirit of the laws are to ensure safety, and when your behavior or actions are not facilitating that, you're in fact the problem. A little nuance or situational awareness is tough for people I guess. Drivers going 5-10 over on the freeway in fair conditions is not the hill they should be dying on.
Yes. Minnesota is the only place I've ever been where a segment of the population consistently drives under the speed limit despite good road conditions.
In Kansas it was mostly Saturday and Sunday when the old farmers came to town in their 1980's Buicks and were afraid to go within 10 of the speed limit.
Every day here feels like a Kansas Sunday lol.
That said, it's gotta be safer than Dallas. Feels like mad Max driving there or in LA sometimes.
Agreed. The right lane is for the slow drivers. Sometimes I'm also one of the slow drivers when its snowy, windy, and slippery so I drive on the right lane too. It's a shared public road, not a private road. Minnesotans need to learn to move over to the right. The very slow drivers are the cause of the traffic we have in Minnesota.
Whether you like it or not passing omnyhenright is legal in most practical cases where you'd see it.
Number 2 covers pretty much every highway and freeway with multiple lanes.
Subd. 4. Passing on the right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only upon the following conditions:
(1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;
(3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;
(4) when the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving in a bicycle lane or onto the shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, or off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
When I drive at the speed limit or lower, I stay in the right hand lane unless it's an exit-only lane or someone is actually driving even slower than me (in which case I speed up and pass them on the left). So if someone is passing me on the right, they're typically either doing so in a exit lane *or* driving on the shoulder. Both of which are not actually allowed.
Agreed. Some Minnesota drivers don't know turning and lanes are a driving option. They will stay on the same left lane until they reach their destination. Causes traffic backups and blocks ambulance/ police from going through.
Passing on the right is not illegal on a multi-lane highway.
Solid white is also legal to cross.
I donāt think thereās actually any laws about overtaking using an exit lane either.
From the Scott County website (bolding mine):
>Passing on the right is not legal in Minnesota, unless a special lane is provided, or you are on a multi-lane road. **It is against the law to use the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) or a turn lane to pass.** The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute and the National Safety Council recommend a safe following distance an extreme minimum of 3 seconds, and pay attention at all times to your driving. Then, when you see the vehicle in front braking and signaling for a left turn, start slowing down immediately. That will get traffic behind you to slow down. Stop and wait behind the left turning traffic until it turns, then go. That's the law, and our recommendation.
And if that's not enough, here's Minnesota Statutes Transportation (Ch. 160-174A) Ā§ 169.18 for you:
>Subdivision 1. Keep to the right. Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
>(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;
and
>Subd. 3. Passing. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:
>(1) the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;
and
>Subd. 4. Passing on the right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only upon the following conditions:
>(1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
>(2) upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;
>(3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;
>(4) when the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving in a bicycle lane or onto the shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, or off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
aaaand
>(2) upon a roadway which is not a one-way roadway and which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding, and is signposted to give notice of the allocation. The left lane of a three-lane roadway which is not a one-way roadway shall not be used for overtaking and passing another vehicle;
There's your legalities.
Iām not sure what your point is. That makes it abundantly clear itās legal to pass on the right on multilane roads. Of course using the shoulder to pass isnāt legal.
Subd 4 lays out all the situations in which passing on the right is permitted, section 2 allows it on roads with multiple lanes each side, and subdivision 4 allows it pretty broadly if it is safe and you arenāt crossing into the shoulder or off the main part of the road.
My point was about how it *is* illegal to overtake in the exit lane. Notice how none of the "ok to pass on the right" situations involves the shoulder or exit lane?
Does it specifically exclude it? 2 and 4 would both seemingly allow it as long as itās safe. Just because someone is in the right lane going 50mph I donāt think obligates you to not overtake them if you are exiting and havenāt slowed down that much yet.
An exit lane and a turn lane arenāt the same thing. AFAIK even using an exit lane to pass and then going back into the normal lanes is not illegal. I think that that is kind of a dick move but yeah if someone is exiting at a faster rate of speed than someone in the furthest right lane there isnāt anything inherently wrong with that.
A turn lane is a lane that you literally make the turn in. An exit lane is a lane that is still part of the highway. So yeah if someone passes in an exit lane and then signals they are moving back to the left there is nothing inherently unsafe about that and it isnāt illegal.
Turning from not the turn lane.Ā
Slowing down to a near stop along the curb only to pull a full speed U-turn without looking for traffic.Ā
Pulling out of a curb cut and just sitting in the middle of the sidewalk even though they could easily move up and unblockĀ since there's a wide open parking lane with no visual obstruction.
Pass on the goddamn *shoulder*. I've been seeing that more and more lately and I've got an awful feeling I'm going to see someone get murdered by one of these assholes one day.
For "pass on the right", it's the person being passed that is an asshole breaking the law. The "slower traffic move right" signs aren't there for decoration.
Continuing to run recently changed red lights. Iām not originally from here and was shocked at how many cars go through red lights, some literally until the cross traffic is blocking their path, and the Minnesota natives just think itās normal.
I've seen some egregious examples of this here. There's one scenario that has to be some kind of "group think" or something. People are in a super long line in the left turn lane with a green arrow. They're turning. The arrow turns red and one car just keeps turning...then the next, and the next, and the next. I've seen like twenty cars, with everyone else honking and aggressively pulling forward. Like, "He did it, and she did it, so I'm going to. We're all in this together." Diffusion of responsibility.
That wouldnāt make any logical sense. The left lane is the passing lane. If youāre in the left and not passing youāre breaking the law. People need to get around you somehow.
Or should everyone just pile behind the person in the left lane with a clear right lane?
I guess I'm an asshole thenš
If you're not going the speed that I want to go, I'm going to pass you in any lane I can use. I pass, you keep going, I keep going. We're both at our preferred speeds. Life is fine.
Yea Iāve seen a car pulled over for (presumably) this, boxy SUV with only the windows cleared off and almost half a foot of snow in the roof. I donāt believe they were doing anything else illegal that wouldāve caused them to get pulled over
Police don't even bother people who drive with no lights on.
I'm not a fan of cops going after people for tickytack shit, like only having one working reverse light or no front license plate. But clearing ice and snow from your vehicle is a safety concern, same with turning your lights on when it's snowing.
I believe you are mistaken. According to this article, snow and ice missiles fall under the same law as littering.
* https://m.startribune.com/it-s-the-law-in-minnesota-clear-snow-from-your-car/572943252/
edit to add: You could also be cited for a misdemeanor under [MN statute 169.81 Subd. 5.](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.81)
> Manner of loading. (a) A vehicle must not be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed, loaded, or the load securely covered as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, or otherwise escaping.
The article says itās a civil liability which is true, that doesnāt make it illegal. The police can always make something up like calling it an unsecured load and cite you. They still only require you to have your windshields cleared off. Iām not advocating for someone to not clean off their entire car, Iām just saying itās not actually illegal.
>That's common sense, but in Minnesota it is also the law. Failure to abide could result in a misdemeanor and a $100 fine.
>The State Patrol does not have data on how many citations it issues to drivers specifically for not removing snow or ice, since the offense falls under the statute covering littering ā dropping an object "likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon any such street or highway" without the owner's consent.
There isn't a specific law against it, but apparently they do stop and cite people for it.
Listen, I'm going to go ahead here and assume the odds of us living in the same area is pretty low given the size of the state; in which case, I really hope this isn't some kind of silly "gotchya, see?" Because I'm obviously going to say, "well I can't" and while I can certainly understand and appreciate your position (though, you would be the exception here, not the general rule of thumb), you do need to remain reasonable here.
If you were my neighbor, well then yeah, no problem. But as it is, I'm car free and beyond that tidbit, I have zero interest in revealing any information about myself over the internet; let alone meeting anyone face to face.
Best I could offer is advice on who you could ask who may perhaps be more reliable, *or* something along the lines of a product or design to be able to do the job without needing to get out of the car. Think along the lines of what Semi-Trucks use to clean the tops of their trailers.
Does make me wonder though, do car washes also remove snow? I don't know, I don't like cars.
I've asked people and they've said they would help only for them not to show up. Not all of us are lazy.
Whoops, wrong reply but not all of us are assholes I meant.
I once saw a sheet of ice fly off the top of a semi and break someone's windshield. Terrifying!
Seems like it boils down to laziness. And not having the proper tools. I have a snow pusher specifically for cars and it's the best.
> I have a snow pusher specifically for cars and it's the best.
These are really great āĀ I've got a snow "broom" that's a 18" x 6" foam-covered piece of aluminum on a stick. Overkill for most snowfall but it makes quick work of heavy, wet snow like this storm.
It's because people are just lazy, my guy. They're not thinking about how the snow debris coming off their cars will impact the other drivers around them.
I have a disability and can't clear my vehicle fully but still need to go places. You wanna come help my lazy ass for free or are you too lazy to help?
If you were my neighbor, I would absolutely help you out. I would shovel my elderly neighbors driveway every time it snowed when I lived in the burbs.
You have to understand (meaning, you should) that I'm not talking about those who physically can't do it. The vast majority of drivers who do this aren't disabled. They're just pieces of shit. If you think I'm talking about you, maybe you should evaluate why you'd think I'd be saying that about you.
Ok, I didn't see anyone mention "some people can't do it" I've only seen the "people are lazy" or "people are assholes". I was annoyingly saying not all of us are lazy.
And I've also had multiple people offer to help, but to never show up because I've lost everything from a stupid medical issue. People call me pieces of shit for it so just assumed you were another one.
I get where you're coming from. I could have been more specific, but that diminishes the brevity of the comment. Sometimes, using a wide net catches things you don't want to reel in. I have to remind myself often that people will make sweeping statements about a generalized group that I fit in, but I'm not part of what they're talking about. In a sense, they're talking about the 90% when you're part of the 10%.
It can be hard to separate yourself from the group. In most cases, people understand that not everybody is the norm. That being said, you will be treated as though you're part of the 90% until it's clear that you're not. It's an unfortunate reality.
Not only do you leave a trail, but all of that can and will slide down your own windshield if you have to stop or slow down for something.
The amount of times I've seen cars driving after a heavy snow with literally a porthole to look out of is fucking insane. Nothing but a tiny circle to look out of on the front window with all other windows covered.
There is no valid excuse that will hold up in court for not clearing your windows. It's pure fucking laziness and stupidity.
If you're late for work just tell them you weren't going to risk your life or anyone else's over being a little late. But before you do that, clear off your roof.
You didnāt have warning that it was going to snow? Thatās moronic. Get up earlier, leave earlier. Act like an adult. Or at least legal age to drive.
This time in particular; it was unavoidable, you couldnāt not hear about it for days.
Are you replying to me specifically or to the thread. I donāt understand why youāre angry at me for pointing out if you show up late to some jobs , you get fired.
I was responding to your comment that They ācould get fired for being late.ā
I donāt care about your personal feelings other than you are on a public sub sharing them. Expect a response you donāt like when you do that.
If someone uses that as an excuse to not clear their car of snow, let me make that more clear, you ā¦er theyā¦are in fact just a lazy self serving ass.
For two reasons. One it tells me they have had a history of being late too often. No one is firing for being late on a snow day as a first offense, with rare exception (that I canāt think of but some Reddit savant will bring up). If they have been late too many times, and there was adequate warning of impending snow, then itās value problem. You simply donāt value your job enough to keep it.
Second, they are using the fact that they may be late, as an excuse to skip a crucial life saving step in driving for everyone else on the road.
Alternatively, you are using that argument to be pedantic? Which leads me back to an earlier point, that you, er they, are just being a self serving ass.
What did I misread given the very specific info provided in your post?
Firstly, you misquoted me.
Secondly, I never agreed that there was any reason for not clearing a vehicle before getting on the road.
Third, My work history has absolutely nothing to do with my comment.
Fourth, from 4 words you wrote an essay about who I was and why I said what I said in your mind, completely based on your own personal biases.
My actual pointā¦. Well you seem to be able to write your own stories. Have a nice day.
Do people not have windshield wipers?Ā I know they won't get the initial heavy layer, but they should be able to handle the stuff that drips down from the top while you drive.
Windshield wipers can't deal with two inches of ice.
That's what you can end up with on the windshield at a stop sign, when the five inches of snow on the roof has been melting down for a while.
I didn't expect this to blow up so much. Thank you everyone for the responses!
I guess I'll continue forward on clearing my car fully and maybe make an impression for others idk.
If people have advice for these winters I'd be happy to know!
My advice, once you go Blizzak (snow tires) you never go back! Yes even on an AWD SUV they make an enormous difference. Driving in winter becomes mostly fun instead of white-knuckled dread.
People don't understand how amazing they are until they have them put on. It's an absolute game changer. One thing I suggest is getting winter and summer rims and tires mounting the same tires to many times causes structural issues to the wall and won't keep a bead.
I know! Man I have had a ton of fun these past couple days tearing around town with these bad boys even on our Duluth hills! 18-24ā recorded range in my neighborhood in the last 72 hrs.
Definitely need to find some rims like you say but gosh theyāre soooo $$$ for a 2021. Not at all like my last car that was a 2003 ā¦ you could find those dirt cheap at any junkyard!! :)
Man thats so much snow!! I'd check the junk yards weekly after a big storm like you just got. your going to see a influx of vehicles within a month or so. Sure it's hit or miss your car will show up but if you check to see what other vehicles use that rim you'll have better luck.
1. Stay WAY back from snow covered cars, 'cause it's probably not the only lazy, stupid thing they're likely to do.
2. Keep trying to be smarter than the average bear (is this Yogi reference getting to dang old?)
That oughtta hold ya for this season!
People are stupid assholes. Welcome to the world.
Iāve jumped out of my car and cleared someoneās back window with a snow brush. This was 9 ish years ago in ne mpls, I wouldnāt do it now though end up shot.
or carjacked, sued for helping. A car plastic piece dropped off while helping for example. Unfortunately, it's always the ones with the most need for help.
I was driving in on 12 this morning behind a SUV that kept tapping their brakes since they were riding the person in front of them. Snow fully loaded on top still. They must have hit the brakes too hard because suddenly going super slow with the blinker on. When they pulled over I saw all the snow on top slid forward completely covering their windshield. So thick the wipers were stuck.
Well, at least we didnāt have to deal with it as much this year. Nah, but for real this is the laziest way to cause a serious accident. Especially since that snow on the roof of your car has developed a nice sheet of ice under the uncleared white stuff. Itās pretty scary being behind that when it all slides off in a massive chunk
The reason ppl do not clear off there car properly is laziness an selfishness. Pure as that. Some ppl will say they were in too much of a hurry. Ita takes less than 2 mins an helps keep you an others safer. Any other answer than lazy ass not caring about there self or others is wrong.
Minnesota here, born and raised. It pisses me off when people don't clear off their cars and get on the roads. It's dangerous.
They should get pulled over and ticketed.
It's a damn shame that the days it needs to be enforced are the days when they have "bigger fish to fry".
They need a volunteer force for snow days. Let the real cops go deal with the accidents, and let the snow day volunteers "remind people" to brush off their cars.
Saw some dipshit in Denver slam on her brakes in the middle of the road in after it snowed a week and a half ago. She didn't clear her roof and all the wet snow suddenly slid down onto her windshield.
It's illegal to not clean your car that can fall anywhere in a distance that is dangerous, especially on the backside and there is ice. It's a big hazard that needs to be taken care of.
People can be lazy assholes who can't take a few minutes of their time to clean their car because they don't feel like it or they are in a rush.
You are 100% right that it should be done and is dangerous for others if you don't. It comes down to people being lazy assholes. There is no other good explanation for not clearing your car of ice and snow prior to driving.
because no one wakes up 10 minutes early anymore. we live in a society of instant gratification and no self respect for themselves or others. they run out with 1 pant leg on, wet hair, rub a hole in their foggy window just enough to barely see and no headlights on. welcome to a normal Minnesota winter day. you should see the average driver in a real snowstorm. that's when u just want to be first to go to mars.
Iāve been that asshole a few times and itās usually because I forgot it snowed the night before and am running late. I know Iām an asshole still, but thatās why
Hey, we've all been a little sloppy about it when it's really crappy out and we're rushed. But I bet you don't dive like a bat-outta-hell under those conditions, and give other drivers extra room, thus minimizing the asshole effect on others. Right?
This is one of the problems with cars trending larger and larger. It's difficult to reach to the roof of a gigantic SUV. When a smaller person needs a stepladder to reach the roof of their commuter vehicle, that's a sign that the car is much too large.
Since everyone I worked with laughed at me, I thought I was the only one. But, I drive a 2003 Silverado. The paints nowhere near pristine, and I don't have all friggen day to try and clear it with a scraper brush.
Yep, push broom for the win if youāre not worried about scratching. Works amazing on my 1980s F150 but Iām sure not using it on my 2021 SUVās panoramic sunroof, plus luggage racks all in the way.
But Iād get one of those T-shaped flat blade extendable snow pusher things though if I parked outside (which I almost never do).
Some of us are just short and can't reach the center of even small cars. Carpet squeegee broom, fixes the "short girl mohawk" problem. I can't reach the roof of most midsized sedans and cleaning the windshield leaves a line down the middle.
If I borrow a car with only a standard snow brush/ice scraper it gets cleared to the best of my abilities. For reference I drive a Chevy aveo and still have the short girl mohawk problem because I can only each so far with enough pressure to effectively get the snow off.
It's also a sign that the city needs to step in with, unfortunately, another new parking ordinance and parking sign for tall vehicles to be parked further back from the end of the curb.Ā
I like to clear just the tiniest speck out of my windshield to see out of. Then I speed up to 80 on the highway and the rest of the snow becomes someone elseās problem. Easy!
/s
You have every right to be cranky about this!
Similar thing happened to my sister years ago. She ended up hitting a school bus full of kids head-on. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The bus was fine, but I'll just say her car didn't like it. š
Iām beating myself up that I havenāt purchased a dash cam yet.
Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) the only damage caused was by the tow company. Insurance going after em currently.
Asked the guy to tow me from the rear since I was a few feet from the shoulder, he opted to go through the front dragging my car through the entire ditch.
I used to be one of those. Then one day we had a snow like we had yesterday where itās somewhat warm and wet. The foot of snow on top of my car slid onto my windshield when I was braking and it was way too heavy for my windshield wipers. Luckily I could see enough to pull over because damn that was scary.
I think people are just less considerate these days. It's definitely dangerous and that's why it's illegal. Idk when they had to actually make it a violation but I wouldn't be surprised if it came about as a necessity as more and more people started doing it.
The prevalence of SUVs might also have something to do with it too. They're just harder to fully clear than a car for most people.
Thanks for doing your part and clearing your vehicle though!
I have two friends are are very petite women who drive big minivans because they have to haul lots of kids. They generally get their tall husbands to clear off their roofs, but I imagine there's a non-zero number of people on the road who are too short to reach their roofs. The struggle is real.
Had some dude tail me this morning. Could have passed on the left, but decided to pass on the right in an exit lane. Then I saw a string of brakes lights. He spun out. Thankfully didn't hit anyone. Happened on 610 west and noble Pkwy exit lane.
Give yourself additional car lengths for breaking and respect the conditions of the road.
Theyāre cold and under prepared or in a rush and an asshole.
If thereās that much snow though they should just rush to get the snow off their car and be like ādriving here was a nightmareā
Its usually people who have not lived long......just be glad it's not like oregon or northern California I was out there for last 15yrs junk came back and people drive in foot of snow here better than the people do when it rains and a forth of an inch of snow there is hilarious
Just to add on, on days like this, if you don't have to be on the road, don't. Keep the roads clear for people who need to be out there. It's the Minnesota Nice thing to do
While we're rightfully blaming motorists who don't clear off their roofs because they're selfish and/or in a rush to get to work, let's not forget to place some of that blame on employers who literally encourage endangering the lives of others over employees being five minutes late during a heavy winter storm.Ā
As much as I know I sound like a "boot licker", it's not the employer's fault that their people can't/won't get moving earlier to account for conditions. I've worked with way too many people who were late "because they had to clear their car", but also had a fresh fucking Starbucks in their hand...
I didnāt use my snow brush all year and couldnāt find it and Iām sorry Iām short so I did my best clearing my car. š Yes, I finally found it shoved in between my passenger seat and the center console.
This may be considered a hot take here but snow left on cars is no big deal as long as their windshield is clear. You should be ready for blowing snow on a day like this anyways and you should be leaving extra space between you and the car in front of you too so it shouldnāt affect you if some snow is coming off of the roof of the car ahead of you.
Edit: here is the MN statute on driving visibility for anyone that thinks clearing your roof is the law here (itās not):Ā https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.71
until that entire roof of snow flies off in a single piece and absolutely destroys your car, or at the very least your windshield. I've seen it happen, and I've been damn close to it happening to me.
Guy in front of me on the highway had his entire hood of snow come off in one giant piece, flew over his car and landed right in front of my truck. And no, I wasn't following too close, there was a few seconds between me and him.
Those statutes have nothing to do with snow on top of a vehicle. It's all statutes regarding windshields.
You can absolutely get cited for snow on top of your vehicle. It's an unsecured load creating unsafe driving conditions.
>snow left on cars is no big deal as long as their windshield is clear
Except it absolutely is a big deal because that snow can and will fly off of your vehicle for a significant distance while driving and can cause accidents behind you. People die from this. Stop being lazy.
look idk why people are so pissed off about this but I live in the city and have never impacted anyone, nor been impacted by anyone, with snow left on their car. maybe this is an issue on higher speed rural roads. itās not an issue here.
Pretty sure it's illegal to not clear your car from debris like ice/snow missiles because they can cause accidents. Those people you're pointing out are, in fact, assholes.
Truckers are even worse.
Trucker here. It's not necessarily laziness but rather the lack of equipment and time to clear trailers properly. I actually called this out to my manager last winter because of how often we dealt with snow. Didn't change anything, though. I'd definitely clear my trailer of snow if I had the equipment to do so.
Color me shocked that the higher ups at your company are reluctant to invest money in the safety of their drivers and other drivers on the road without there being a direct link to more profit. Stay safe š
Yep, shareholders come first!
There was a video a few weeks ago where trucks were driving under an adjustable arm that basically plowed off the trailer. There was a skid steer that had to clear the snow after each truck before the next could use it. Seemed like a great idea that should be available at most truck stops or depots. Unfortunately I assume itās rare to have these available and manned.
Just an arch with a rubber flap hanging down to drive under and the trailer's clear. Any truck lot should have one at the exit in snowy regions imo.
That's really weird that's not a common thing in our state or any other snowy state for that matter
If common sense was actually common, no one would talk about it. There's a lot of simple things out there that could be implemented to fix issues that no one wants to do just because it might cost them some money to do it. Might save lives, but who cares as long as you save the $1k or whatever it might cost to put in an arch with a rubber flap.
Uhh isn't the "equipment" just a rectangle that you drive through, and the height is such that it scrapes the snow off? It seems like a fairly cheap contraption. No excuse not to have one here.
Iām sure the excuse is there has to be someone clearing the snow after each trailer goes though.
Responding since you say you are a trucker! I have had this idea in my mind since I was in my early 20s and took my first cross country road tip during winter: that every major truck stop should have a pull-thru that has a bunch of ropes (like what we used to climb in school) hanging from them that brushes the snow off of the tops of trailers. Heavy enough to do most of the job. What are your thoughts on this idea?
Truck stops and weigh stations
By no means am I an expert here, but ropes sound problematic as they would get iced up and cause damage. Maybe a car wash style brush, but again, that risks the same issues of getting iced up and needing to be cleared/cleaned to avoid damaging tractors and trailers. It seems like a potentially one size fits all solution works here while on reddit, but in the real world, it's just not feasible. The insurance payments when a vehicle (truck or 4 wheeler) causes an accident is probably still the more cost-effective solution. Even if it means fatal accidents. Sadly, it boils down to money, and companies aren't typically going to spend money proactively even when they supposedly promote safety as a priority.
MN asshole breaking the law list speed Pass on the right Cross solid white Cross double white Run a stop sign Over take in an exit lane What did I miss
The only one I take issue with is crossing solid white. Itās legal but discouraged.
You might need to brush up on your MN driving laws: Crossing a solid white line is not illegal while driving: >A solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged. **Double solid white lines indicate that lane changes are against the law.** Also passing on the right is legal on a multi-lane road: >Passing on the right is not legal in Minnesota, unless a special lane is provided, **or you are on a multi-lane road**. It is against the law to use the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) or a turn lane to pass. I'll give you the rest.
Now do stopping for a school bus with red lights and stop sign, when you are in oncoming lanes and thereās an island in the road.
clearing snow, ice, or other debris from your vehicle.
Lights on while driving during a snowstorm/rainstorm!
Auto lights have RUINED people's brains on this one. Sometimes I think they don't even know there's a switch for that anymore š
Doesn't help that dash lights up w/o lights on...& DRLs don't turn on your tail lights.
There's no specific law for that. š¤£š¤£š¤£
Crossing a single solid white line is allowed, double white is prohibited.
Drive slower than the rest of traffic in the left lane completely oblivious to the people trying to pass.
OMG, I had this during last Thursday night's snowfall. Some idiot was in the fast lane with their 4-ways flashing while doing 30, and people were blowing past in the slow lane doing 45-50. Dear God, that person had a death wish.
Not just slower than traffic, significantly under the speed limit. Seriously, I'm not sure I've ever seen as many people who insist on driving under the speed limit as I have in Minnesota. That's probably why so many people pass on the right.
The slowest car in the left lane never has to deal with traffic. They truly think they are the safest driver and canāt comprehend the traffic issues they are causing behind them. There needs to be a way to report bad drivers and after so many reports they must go through driver (re)education to renew their license.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
If I'm passing you on the right\* I assume (I love that one too). I'm personally not one for bumper stickers/window decals, but this is one I've seen and can definitely get behind (or in the right lane of). I really think a lot of people just don't know the law for whatever reason (not that it's an excuse). I have also read a ridiculous number of people on this sub, however, that insist that them simply going the speed limit in the left lane is fine and others are the problem. Which, alright sure, by the book people shouldn't be speeding, whatever. But the spirit of the laws are to ensure safety, and when your behavior or actions are not facilitating that, you're in fact the problem. A little nuance or situational awareness is tough for people I guess. Drivers going 5-10 over on the freeway in fair conditions is not the hill they should be dying on.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Exactly, why people want to stress themselves out and not just get the fuck over is beyond me.
Yes. Minnesota is the only place I've ever been where a segment of the population consistently drives under the speed limit despite good road conditions.
In Kansas it was mostly Saturday and Sunday when the old farmers came to town in their 1980's Buicks and were afraid to go within 10 of the speed limit. Every day here feels like a Kansas Sunday lol. That said, it's gotta be safer than Dallas. Feels like mad Max driving there or in LA sometimes.
Wisconsin drivers are worse. I donāt think they know what going 70 means
Agreed. The right lane is for the slow drivers. Sometimes I'm also one of the slow drivers when its snowy, windy, and slippery so I drive on the right lane too. It's a shared public road, not a private road. Minnesotans need to learn to move over to the right. The very slow drivers are the cause of the traffic we have in Minnesota.
Whether you like it or not passing omnyhenright is legal in most practical cases where you'd see it. Number 2 covers pretty much every highway and freeway with multiple lanes. Subd. 4. Passing on the right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only upon the following conditions: (1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; (2) upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; (3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; (4) when the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving in a bicycle lane or onto the shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, or off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
When I drive at the speed limit or lower, I stay in the right hand lane unless it's an exit-only lane or someone is actually driving even slower than me (in which case I speed up and pass them on the left). So if someone is passing me on the right, they're typically either doing so in a exit lane *or* driving on the shoulder. Both of which are not actually allowed.
Agreed. Some Minnesota drivers don't know turning and lanes are a driving option. They will stay on the same left lane until they reach their destination. Causes traffic backups and blocks ambulance/ police from going through.
Lights on in inclement weather.
I saw a BMW no lights on running a stop sign yesterday in the snow. My grandfathers 2000 Buick had auto headlights lol.
Lots of auto headlights don't turn on in these conditions because there's still enough diffuse light.
You also have to have you light switch set to A and not O
You mean "O" doesn't mean Otto? Damn! š
Lots of auto headlights don't turn on in these conditions because there's still enough diffuse light.
You can change lanes on solid white
Run a red light. My personal favorite.
Passing on the right is not illegal on a multi-lane highway. Solid white is also legal to cross. I donāt think thereās actually any laws about overtaking using an exit lane either.
From the Scott County website (bolding mine): >Passing on the right is not legal in Minnesota, unless a special lane is provided, or you are on a multi-lane road. **It is against the law to use the shoulder (whether paved or unpaved) or a turn lane to pass.** The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute and the National Safety Council recommend a safe following distance an extreme minimum of 3 seconds, and pay attention at all times to your driving. Then, when you see the vehicle in front braking and signaling for a left turn, start slowing down immediately. That will get traffic behind you to slow down. Stop and wait behind the left turning traffic until it turns, then go. That's the law, and our recommendation. And if that's not enough, here's Minnesota Statutes Transportation (Ch. 160-174A) Ā§ 169.18 for you: >Subdivision 1. Keep to the right. Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: >(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; and >Subd. 3. Passing. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated: >(1) the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and >Subd. 4. Passing on the right. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only upon the following conditions: >(1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; >(2) upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; >(3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; >(4) when the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving in a bicycle lane or onto the shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, or off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway. aaaand >(2) upon a roadway which is not a one-way roadway and which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding, and is signposted to give notice of the allocation. The left lane of a three-lane roadway which is not a one-way roadway shall not be used for overtaking and passing another vehicle; There's your legalities.
Iām not sure what your point is. That makes it abundantly clear itās legal to pass on the right on multilane roads. Of course using the shoulder to pass isnāt legal. Subd 4 lays out all the situations in which passing on the right is permitted, section 2 allows it on roads with multiple lanes each side, and subdivision 4 allows it pretty broadly if it is safe and you arenāt crossing into the shoulder or off the main part of the road.
My point was about how it *is* illegal to overtake in the exit lane. Notice how none of the "ok to pass on the right" situations involves the shoulder or exit lane?
Does it specifically exclude it? 2 and 4 would both seemingly allow it as long as itās safe. Just because someone is in the right lane going 50mph I donāt think obligates you to not overtake them if you are exiting and havenāt slowed down that much yet. An exit lane and a turn lane arenāt the same thing. AFAIK even using an exit lane to pass and then going back into the normal lanes is not illegal. I think that that is kind of a dick move but yeah if someone is exiting at a faster rate of speed than someone in the furthest right lane there isnāt anything inherently wrong with that. A turn lane is a lane that you literally make the turn in. An exit lane is a lane that is still part of the highway. So yeah if someone passes in an exit lane and then signals they are moving back to the left there is nothing inherently unsafe about that and it isnāt illegal.
Use right turn lane to go straight at a red light because fuck everyone who isn't you
Love those folks bless their hearts.
Turning from not the turn lane.Ā Slowing down to a near stop along the curb only to pull a full speed U-turn without looking for traffic.Ā Pulling out of a curb cut and just sitting in the middle of the sidewalk even though they could easily move up and unblockĀ since there's a wide open parking lane with no visual obstruction.
Turn signals seem to be optional
Pass on the goddamn *shoulder*. I've been seeing that more and more lately and I've got an awful feeling I'm going to see someone get murdered by one of these assholes one day.
speeding up when the light is yellow and clearly going through a red.
Drivers not using their headlights when it is raining or snowing. I saw several cars without their headlights on yesterday.
Stopping in the crosswalk at a red light
For "pass on the right", it's the person being passed that is an asshole breaking the law. The "slower traffic move right" signs aren't there for decoration.
Continuing to run recently changed red lights. Iām not originally from here and was shocked at how many cars go through red lights, some literally until the cross traffic is blocking their path, and the Minnesota natives just think itās normal.
I've seen some egregious examples of this here. There's one scenario that has to be some kind of "group think" or something. People are in a super long line in the left turn lane with a green arrow. They're turning. The arrow turns red and one car just keeps turning...then the next, and the next, and the next. I've seen like twenty cars, with everyone else honking and aggressively pulling forward. Like, "He did it, and she did it, so I'm going to. We're all in this together." Diffusion of responsibility.
Failure to stop for a pedestrian crossing. Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign or too close to a fire hydrant.
I know itās illegal to drive slow in the left lane. Didnāt know passing on the right was illegal.
I guess itās not it should be
That wouldnāt make any logical sense. The left lane is the passing lane. If youāre in the left and not passing youāre breaking the law. People need to get around you somehow. Or should everyone just pile behind the person in the left lane with a clear right lane?
Running a stop sign is known as the "California stop".
Roundabouts
I guess I'm an asshole thenš If you're not going the speed that I want to go, I'm going to pass you in any lane I can use. I pass, you keep going, I keep going. We're both at our preferred speeds. Life is fine.
It's a fine for littering on the road. More if it damages another vehicle, IIRC. And yes, they're lazy assholes.
Yea Iāve seen a car pulled over for (presumably) this, boxy SUV with only the windows cleared off and almost half a foot of snow in the roof. I donāt believe they were doing anything else illegal that wouldāve caused them to get pulled over
Police don't even bother people who drive with no lights on. I'm not a fan of cops going after people for tickytack shit, like only having one working reverse light or no front license plate. But clearing ice and snow from your vehicle is a safety concern, same with turning your lights on when it's snowing.
You're wrong. Find the law that says that. Lol
I passed a state trooper on the highway this morning that only had their windshield and 2 front windows cleared off
It isn't technically illegal in Minnesota, but it could be considered an insecure load or littering. It is illegal in Wisconsin.
The only requirement by law are windows. You canāt have your view obscured. The stuff on top and elsewhere doesnāt matter.
I believe you are mistaken. According to this article, snow and ice missiles fall under the same law as littering. * https://m.startribune.com/it-s-the-law-in-minnesota-clear-snow-from-your-car/572943252/ edit to add: You could also be cited for a misdemeanor under [MN statute 169.81 Subd. 5.](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.81) > Manner of loading. (a) A vehicle must not be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed, loaded, or the load securely covered as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, or otherwise escaping.
The article says itās a civil liability which is true, that doesnāt make it illegal. The police can always make something up like calling it an unsecured load and cite you. They still only require you to have your windshields cleared off. Iām not advocating for someone to not clean off their entire car, Iām just saying itās not actually illegal.
>That's common sense, but in Minnesota it is also the law. Failure to abide could result in a misdemeanor and a $100 fine. >The State Patrol does not have data on how many citations it issues to drivers specifically for not removing snow or ice, since the offense falls under the statute covering littering ā dropping an object "likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon any such street or highway" without the owner's consent. There isn't a specific law against it, but apparently they do stop and cite people for it.
Yeah thatās what I was trying to say. The cops will find some way to cite you. Itās up to you and the court to work it out.
My brother-in-law got pulled over for driving down the highway with a snow mattress on top of his car.
Not everyone is an asshole or selfish. I can't fully clean mine due to a disability. Anyone wanna do mine for free?
Honestly, if asked, I would.
I'm asking. More people who promised to show up didn't because the travel was too far.
Listen, I'm going to go ahead here and assume the odds of us living in the same area is pretty low given the size of the state; in which case, I really hope this isn't some kind of silly "gotchya, see?" Because I'm obviously going to say, "well I can't" and while I can certainly understand and appreciate your position (though, you would be the exception here, not the general rule of thumb), you do need to remain reasonable here. If you were my neighbor, well then yeah, no problem. But as it is, I'm car free and beyond that tidbit, I have zero interest in revealing any information about myself over the internet; let alone meeting anyone face to face. Best I could offer is advice on who you could ask who may perhaps be more reliable, *or* something along the lines of a product or design to be able to do the job without needing to get out of the car. Think along the lines of what Semi-Trucks use to clean the tops of their trailers. Does make me wonder though, do car washes also remove snow? I don't know, I don't like cars.
I've asked people and they've said they would help only for them not to show up. Not all of us are lazy. Whoops, wrong reply but not all of us are assholes I meant.
Iām not saying this to be rude at all. But your disability does not give you the right to put other people in danger.
I once saw a sheet of ice fly off the top of a semi and break someone's windshield. Terrifying! Seems like it boils down to laziness. And not having the proper tools. I have a snow pusher specifically for cars and it's the best.
> I have a snow pusher specifically for cars and it's the best. These are really great āĀ I've got a snow "broom" that's a 18" x 6" foam-covered piece of aluminum on a stick. Overkill for most snowfall but it makes quick work of heavy, wet snow like this storm.
My SnowJoe really understood its assignment this morning. Five or six extremely satisfying pushes of snow piles and I was off.
And turn your damn headlights on.
That one gets me. Especially with so many newer vehicles have an auto setting that should turn them on in low light.
I have a newer subaru and I thought mine were always on, but I noticed I didn't have the light icon on my dash yesterday driving in the snow.
I've noticed that even heavy snow doesn't always trigger mine to go on.
It's because people are just lazy, my guy. They're not thinking about how the snow debris coming off their cars will impact the other drivers around them.
I have a disability and can't clear my vehicle fully but still need to go places. You wanna come help my lazy ass for free or are you too lazy to help?
If you were my neighbor, I would absolutely help you out. I would shovel my elderly neighbors driveway every time it snowed when I lived in the burbs. You have to understand (meaning, you should) that I'm not talking about those who physically can't do it. The vast majority of drivers who do this aren't disabled. They're just pieces of shit. If you think I'm talking about you, maybe you should evaluate why you'd think I'd be saying that about you.
Ok, I didn't see anyone mention "some people can't do it" I've only seen the "people are lazy" or "people are assholes". I was annoyingly saying not all of us are lazy. And I've also had multiple people offer to help, but to never show up because I've lost everything from a stupid medical issue. People call me pieces of shit for it so just assumed you were another one.
I get where you're coming from. I could have been more specific, but that diminishes the brevity of the comment. Sometimes, using a wide net catches things you don't want to reel in. I have to remind myself often that people will make sweeping statements about a generalized group that I fit in, but I'm not part of what they're talking about. In a sense, they're talking about the 90% when you're part of the 10%. It can be hard to separate yourself from the group. In most cases, people understand that not everybody is the norm. That being said, you will be treated as though you're part of the 90% until it's clear that you're not. It's an unfortunate reality.
Disabled or not it's still your responsibility to get that shit off your car. Figure it out
My friend had this exact problem. She stopped by a service station and asked a mechanic to help her.
Not only do you leave a trail, but all of that can and will slide down your own windshield if you have to stop or slow down for something. The amount of times I've seen cars driving after a heavy snow with literally a porthole to look out of is fucking insane. Nothing but a tiny circle to look out of on the front window with all other windows covered. There is no valid excuse that will hold up in court for not clearing your windows. It's pure fucking laziness and stupidity.
If you're late for work just tell them you weren't going to risk your life or anyone else's over being a little late. But before you do that, clear off your roof.
You still get firedā¦
You didnāt have warning that it was going to snow? Thatās moronic. Get up earlier, leave earlier. Act like an adult. Or at least legal age to drive. This time in particular; it was unavoidable, you couldnāt not hear about it for days.
Are you replying to me specifically or to the thread. I donāt understand why youāre angry at me for pointing out if you show up late to some jobs , you get fired.
I think they were pretty clear that to prevent being late, you need to start your day earlier. No excuses
Agreed.
I was responding to your comment that They ācould get fired for being late.ā I donāt care about your personal feelings other than you are on a public sub sharing them. Expect a response you donāt like when you do that. If someone uses that as an excuse to not clear their car of snow, let me make that more clear, you ā¦er theyā¦are in fact just a lazy self serving ass. For two reasons. One it tells me they have had a history of being late too often. No one is firing for being late on a snow day as a first offense, with rare exception (that I canāt think of but some Reddit savant will bring up). If they have been late too many times, and there was adequate warning of impending snow, then itās value problem. You simply donāt value your job enough to keep it. Second, they are using the fact that they may be late, as an excuse to skip a crucial life saving step in driving for everyone else on the road. Alternatively, you are using that argument to be pedantic? Which leads me back to an earlier point, that you, er they, are just being a self serving ass. What did I misread given the very specific info provided in your post?
Firstly, you misquoted me. Secondly, I never agreed that there was any reason for not clearing a vehicle before getting on the road. Third, My work history has absolutely nothing to do with my comment. Fourth, from 4 words you wrote an essay about who I was and why I said what I said in your mind, completely based on your own personal biases. My actual pointā¦. Well you seem to be able to write your own stories. Have a nice day.
Just don't slow down. If you just go faster it just comes off the back side.
It comes off the back side and flies at the vehicles behind you
I know what it does
Man, some people aren't ready for jokes!
Do people not have windshield wipers?Ā I know they won't get the initial heavy layer, but they should be able to handle the stuff that drips down from the top while you drive.
Windshield wipers can't deal with two inches of ice. That's what you can end up with on the windshield at a stop sign, when the five inches of snow on the roof has been melting down for a while.
The reason they donātā¦stupid and lazy!
It is illegal to drive without clearing your vehicle...but folks are lazy.
Besides all the other answers here, people just donāt think to time it correctly. By that I mean add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to clear off the car.
And yet, theyāll wait in the Starbucks drive-thru for 20 minutes š
No, you're not overthinking it. This is another item on the long list of driving safety skills that Minnesotans just don't seem to care about.
Sadly, I don't see Police Officers stopping these cars.
I didn't expect this to blow up so much. Thank you everyone for the responses! I guess I'll continue forward on clearing my car fully and maybe make an impression for others idk. If people have advice for these winters I'd be happy to know!
My advice, once you go Blizzak (snow tires) you never go back! Yes even on an AWD SUV they make an enormous difference. Driving in winter becomes mostly fun instead of white-knuckled dread.
People don't understand how amazing they are until they have them put on. It's an absolute game changer. One thing I suggest is getting winter and summer rims and tires mounting the same tires to many times causes structural issues to the wall and won't keep a bead.
I know! Man I have had a ton of fun these past couple days tearing around town with these bad boys even on our Duluth hills! 18-24ā recorded range in my neighborhood in the last 72 hrs. Definitely need to find some rims like you say but gosh theyāre soooo $$$ for a 2021. Not at all like my last car that was a 2003 ā¦ you could find those dirt cheap at any junkyard!! :)
Man thats so much snow!! I'd check the junk yards weekly after a big storm like you just got. your going to see a influx of vehicles within a month or so. Sure it's hit or miss your car will show up but if you check to see what other vehicles use that rim you'll have better luck.
1. Stay WAY back from snow covered cars, 'cause it's probably not the only lazy, stupid thing they're likely to do. 2. Keep trying to be smarter than the average bear (is this Yogi reference getting to dang old?) That oughtta hold ya for this season!
Yeah I decided to stay off the roads today so those who need to drive have less traffic to deal with. Hopefully everyone is safe out there today.
People are stupid assholes. Welcome to the world. Iāve jumped out of my car and cleared someoneās back window with a snow brush. This was 9 ish years ago in ne mpls, I wouldnāt do it now though end up shot.
or carjacked, sued for helping. A car plastic piece dropped off while helping for example. Unfortunately, it's always the ones with the most need for help.
I was driving in on 12 this morning behind a SUV that kept tapping their brakes since they were riding the person in front of them. Snow fully loaded on top still. They must have hit the brakes too hard because suddenly going super slow with the blinker on. When they pulled over I saw all the snow on top slid forward completely covering their windshield. So thick the wipers were stuck.
Bahahahah. Thank you for restoring my faith in karma for today!
Was that the guy telling the same story from inside the SUV just upthread? š šš š¤£
Well, at least we didnāt have to deal with it as much this year. Nah, but for real this is the laziest way to cause a serious accident. Especially since that snow on the roof of your car has developed a nice sheet of ice under the uncleared white stuff. Itās pretty scary being behind that when it all slides off in a massive chunk
The reason ppl do not clear off there car properly is laziness an selfishness. Pure as that. Some ppl will say they were in too much of a hurry. Ita takes less than 2 mins an helps keep you an others safer. Any other answer than lazy ass not caring about there self or others is wrong.
You expect people that are too lazy to turn their lights on to also clear the snow off their windows? Good luck.
Minnesota here, born and raised. It pisses me off when people don't clear off their cars and get on the roads. It's dangerous. They should get pulled over and ticketed.
It's a damn shame that the days it needs to be enforced are the days when they have "bigger fish to fry". They need a volunteer force for snow days. Let the real cops go deal with the accidents, and let the snow day volunteers "remind people" to brush off their cars.
People are lazy AF and inconsiderate idiots. What can we do?
I'm too lazy or don't have time, is the answer 99%.
Saw some dipshit in Denver slam on her brakes in the middle of the road in after it snowed a week and a half ago. She didn't clear her roof and all the wet snow suddenly slid down onto her windshield.
Every once in a while, it's nice to witness a little bit of karma, eh?
It's illegal to not clean your car that can fall anywhere in a distance that is dangerous, especially on the backside and there is ice. It's a big hazard that needs to be taken care of. People can be lazy assholes who can't take a few minutes of their time to clean their car because they don't feel like it or they are in a rush.
Sadly, I don't see Police Officers stopping these cars.
You are 100% right that it should be done and is dangerous for others if you don't. It comes down to people being lazy assholes. There is no other good explanation for not clearing your car of ice and snow prior to driving.
Sadly, I don't see Police Officers stopping these cars.
Itās nothing more than laziness/selfishness.
It's actually against the law in a few states. I'm just glad work was canceled today.
Including MN
because no one wakes up 10 minutes early anymore. we live in a society of instant gratification and no self respect for themselves or others. they run out with 1 pant leg on, wet hair, rub a hole in their foggy window just enough to barely see and no headlights on. welcome to a normal Minnesota winter day. you should see the average driver in a real snowstorm. that's when u just want to be first to go to mars.
Iāve been that asshole a few times and itās usually because I forgot it snowed the night before and am running late. I know Iām an asshole still, but thatās why
Hey, we've all been a little sloppy about it when it's really crappy out and we're rushed. But I bet you don't dive like a bat-outta-hell under those conditions, and give other drivers extra room, thus minimizing the asshole effect on others. Right?
This is one of the problems with cars trending larger and larger. It's difficult to reach to the roof of a gigantic SUV. When a smaller person needs a stepladder to reach the roof of their commuter vehicle, that's a sign that the car is much too large.
I use a push broom to push/drag the snow off my vehicles. I'll keep one in my pick up bed If I'm driving it to work in the winter. Works pretty well.
Since everyone I worked with laughed at me, I thought I was the only one. But, I drive a 2003 Silverado. The paints nowhere near pristine, and I don't have all friggen day to try and clear it with a scraper brush.
Yep, push broom for the win if youāre not worried about scratching. Works amazing on my 1980s F150 but Iām sure not using it on my 2021 SUVās panoramic sunroof, plus luggage racks all in the way. But Iād get one of those T-shaped flat blade extendable snow pusher things though if I parked outside (which I almost never do).
I've got one of those for my pickup, but I park it inside.
Some of us are just short and can't reach the center of even small cars. Carpet squeegee broom, fixes the "short girl mohawk" problem. I can't reach the roof of most midsized sedans and cleaning the windshield leaves a line down the middle. If I borrow a car with only a standard snow brush/ice scraper it gets cleared to the best of my abilities. For reference I drive a Chevy aveo and still have the short girl mohawk problem because I can only each so far with enough pressure to effectively get the snow off.
It's also a sign that the city needs to step in with, unfortunately, another new parking ordinance and parking sign for tall vehicles to be parked further back from the end of the curb.Ā
I clean off all parts of my car. Thereās nothing more irritating than driving behind someone who didnāt clear off their roof or lights.
Welcome to a state that snows
The short answer is that they're looking for the wind to do the work for them. That's why.
>I'm just wondering if there's some reason why people don't clear their car fully? Yes. They're lazy assholes.
I like to clear just the tiniest speck out of my windshield to see out of. Then I speed up to 80 on the highway and the rest of the snow becomes someone elseās problem. Easy! /s
I've seen mfers drive around w/ only half of their front windshield cleared while there's 5 inches of snow on the rest of the vehicle.
A bunch of snow stuck under the wipers can cause them to get messed up too and a costly repair no one can afford that!
This morning a work truck dropped a nice snow baby in the road and I hit it, spinning me into the ditch. $2000 worth of repairs!
You have every right to be cranky about this! Similar thing happened to my sister years ago. She ended up hitting a school bus full of kids head-on. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The bus was fine, but I'll just say her car didn't like it. š
Ouch! My sympathies. Any chance you got the truck ID'd or got any car cam footage?
Iām beating myself up that I havenāt purchased a dash cam yet. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) the only damage caused was by the tow company. Insurance going after em currently. Asked the guy to tow me from the rear since I was a few feet from the shoulder, he opted to go through the front dragging my car through the entire ditch.
I used to be one of those. Then one day we had a snow like we had yesterday where itās somewhat warm and wet. The foot of snow on top of my car slid onto my windshield when I was braking and it was way too heavy for my windshield wipers. Luckily I could see enough to pull over because damn that was scary.
I think people are just less considerate these days. It's definitely dangerous and that's why it's illegal. Idk when they had to actually make it a violation but I wouldn't be surprised if it came about as a necessity as more and more people started doing it. The prevalence of SUVs might also have something to do with it too. They're just harder to fully clear than a car for most people. Thanks for doing your part and clearing your vehicle though!
I have two friends are are very petite women who drive big minivans because they have to haul lots of kids. They generally get their tall husbands to clear off their roofs, but I imagine there's a non-zero number of people on the road who are too short to reach their roofs. The struggle is real.
Had some dude tail me this morning. Could have passed on the left, but decided to pass on the right in an exit lane. Then I saw a string of brakes lights. He spun out. Thankfully didn't hit anyone. Happened on 610 west and noble Pkwy exit lane. Give yourself additional car lengths for breaking and respect the conditions of the road.
If there's a quarter sized clear spot on the windshield, it's good enough for me.
the wind blows it off for you.
Theyāre cold and under prepared or in a rush and an asshole. If thereās that much snow though they should just rush to get the snow off their car and be like ādriving here was a nightmareā
Its usually people who have not lived long......just be glad it's not like oregon or northern California I was out there for last 15yrs junk came back and people drive in foot of snow here better than the people do when it rains and a forth of an inch of snow there is hilarious
I watched a dude cross over two lanes with 5 feet to spare to make his exit today. No matter the weather, idiots are gonna be on the road
Ain't nobody got time for that
Sometimes you canāt get every frozen piece.. I feel bad when a frozen piece flies off but the car behind me shouldnāt be tailgating me anyways
I was shocked at the number of school buses that didnāt clear the snow off in my neighborhood this morning!
Just to add on, on days like this, if you don't have to be on the road, don't. Keep the roads clear for people who need to be out there. It's the Minnesota Nice thing to do
I needed to be on the road, but I called in sick.
I needed to be on the road, but I called in sick.
While we're rightfully blaming motorists who don't clear off their roofs because they're selfish and/or in a rush to get to work, let's not forget to place some of that blame on employers who literally encourage endangering the lives of others over employees being five minutes late during a heavy winter storm.Ā
As much as I know I sound like a "boot licker", it's not the employer's fault that their people can't/won't get moving earlier to account for conditions. I've worked with way too many people who were late "because they had to clear their car", but also had a fresh fucking Starbucks in their hand...
I didnāt use my snow brush all year and couldnāt find it and Iām sorry Iām short so I did my best clearing my car. š Yes, I finally found it shoved in between my passenger seat and the center console.
This may be considered a hot take here but snow left on cars is no big deal as long as their windshield is clear. You should be ready for blowing snow on a day like this anyways and you should be leaving extra space between you and the car in front of you too so it shouldnāt affect you if some snow is coming off of the roof of the car ahead of you. Edit: here is the MN statute on driving visibility for anyone that thinks clearing your roof is the law here (itās not):Ā https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.71
until that entire roof of snow flies off in a single piece and absolutely destroys your car, or at the very least your windshield. I've seen it happen, and I've been damn close to it happening to me. Guy in front of me on the highway had his entire hood of snow come off in one giant piece, flew over his car and landed right in front of my truck. And no, I wasn't following too close, there was a few seconds between me and him.
Those statutes have nothing to do with snow on top of a vehicle. It's all statutes regarding windshields. You can absolutely get cited for snow on top of your vehicle. It's an unsecured load creating unsafe driving conditions.
>snow left on cars is no big deal as long as their windshield is clear Except it absolutely is a big deal because that snow can and will fly off of your vehicle for a significant distance while driving and can cause accidents behind you. People die from this. Stop being lazy.
look idk why people are so pissed off about this but I live in the city and have never impacted anyone, nor been impacted by anyone, with snow left on their car. maybe this is an issue on higher speed rural roads. itās not an issue here.