Winter in Alaska is long, cold and harsh. Snow and ice buildup on vehicles is inevitable. The buildup makes it important to remove snow and ice from vehicles before driving down the road to avoid accidents.
Windshields
Prepping your vehicle before a big storm is a good idea. If you store your vehicle outside and know temperatures will drop, lift wipers so they do not stick to the windshield. Make sure your defroster is not on, especially if you plan to remotely start your vehicle after an extended period. Using the defroster in a cold car may cause the windshield to crack. Some people try to pour hot water onto a windshield, but this can also cause the windshield to break.
Be cautious of how you defrost windshields and plan ahead. It is best to let your car warm up for five minutes before turning the defroster on in the vehicle. Letting your car warm up allows the internal temperature to gradually raise so the windshield does not crack.
Windows And Glass
While the car is warming up, use a scraper to clean off other windows and glass. It is important to be able to see out of the vehicle while driving down the road. It is also the law in Alaska. Ice buildup blocks the drivers view and causes safety concerns. Wear gloves when you are removing ice from windows and glass to avoid frost bite.
Snow Removal
Before driving down the road, remove snow from your vehicle. Snow can blow off while driving and cause you or other drivers to be unable to see. Remember that if you push snow right off your vehicle, large piles can cause issues for you when leaving. When possible, move snow to an area out of the way of regular traffic rather than pushing it straight to the ground. Always wear gloves when cleaning off vehicles as snow can be cold and dangerous to your skin.
It is important to remove snow and ice from vehicles to keep Alaskan roads safe. Please do your part by planning ahead and properly preparing your vehicle before driving. If you are in an accident due to another vehicle losing snow or ice on the road, you may need to file a claim and hold the negligent party responsible.
To schedule a free consultation contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. toll free at 866.452.3741 or for further information please visit www.merdes.com.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
