Driving With a Frost-Obscured Windshield Can Be Costly

A 46-year old Ann Arbor, Michigan woman found out earlier this winter how dangerous and costly driving with obstructed car windows can be when she passed a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, and struck a teenager who had just exited the bus.

Her defense was that she hadn’t seen the flashing red lights or the young girl crossing the street.

Police noted the woman’s ice-covered car windows and charged her with careless driving. She received a fine and demerit points on her driver’s license. Fortunately, the injured teenager survived.

Don’t let this happen to you

Police can charge you with a traffic violation if you are operating a vehicle with frost-obstructed windows or mirrors.

If you have a collision because of this restricted visibility, you can be charged with careless driving, and that means demerit points and most likely an increase in your insurance premiums of up to 30%.

Worst of all, you will be endangering your life and the lives of others. It’s simply not worth it to save the time it takes to clear your vehicle windows and mirrors.

Tips to make ice-scraping your car windows easier

When you park your car for the night:

• Cover your windshield with cardboard, a plastic sheet or large towel to prevent ice from freezing to the glass
• Place plastic bags over your side mirrors
• Leave your windshield wipers in a raised position, away from the window, so they don’t freeze to the glass

Use a de-icing spray on the windows and mirrors to make ice scraping easier. These sprays can be purchased at Walmart, Canadian Tire or other automotive stores.

Make your own windshield de-icing spray

You can easily make your own windshield de-icing spray from common household products. Prepare it and keep it in your car for those times you will need it.