Take Your Top Off

The snow and/or ice, off the top of your car, that is. Nothing pisses me off more than flying ice. Both B and I drive Mini Coopers. So driving behind or on the side of your giant SUV, you probably don't really need, in inclement weather, with snow and ice flying, is like playing real life Asteroids. Yeah, I threw in an Atari reference. I'm old. If you can't reach the top- too bad. You should've thought of that before purchasing your ginormous tank. Let it run 45 min. Climb on it like a spider monkey. I don't care. Just get the hazardous elements off of it before you drive.

And apparently, I'm not the only one that thinks this because it's actually LAW. At least in NJ. You're not just being lazy, you could kill someone. So here's an "official" reminder:

	Ice & Snow - Remove It Before You Go Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It’s the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.   Winter Driving Tips I Links Drive slow (at or below the posted speed limit) and adjust your speed for the changing road conditions. Turn on your headlights, using low beams when traveling in snow. Increase your following distance. In winter weather, travel at least eight to 10 seconds behind the car in front of you. Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Don't tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution in doing so. Remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but they don't always see you. If you skid, don't brake or accelerate. Remove your foot from the gas, and gently steer your car in the direction of the skid (the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding.) When your car starts heading in the desired direction, carefully straighten the wheel. Slow down before exiting the highway. Exit ramps often have icy patches, sharp curves and stalled or stopped vehicles. Have a personal safety kit easily accessible in your vehicle that includes: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; blanket; sand, salt or kitty litter for traction; lock de-icer; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield wiper fluid; safety flares/warning device; cell phone with spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e., granola or protein bars); and paper towels or a cloth. If your vehicle does become disabled, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. Remain with your vehicle until help arrives. If you can't get your vehicle off the road and are uncertain about your safety, do not stay in your vehicle or stand behind it. Proceed carefully to a safe location away from traffic. http://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/ice-and-snow.html