Near Disaster On MA Highway From Flying Snow

WAREHAM, MA — A disaster was narrowly averted on a Massachusetts highway Thursday after a tractor-trailer with more than a foot of snow on the roof struck an overpass. The incident happened Thursday in Wareham on Route 25 and Bourne police posted video of the crash (below). The sheet of snow exploded upon impact and knocked netting down on the highway. No one was hurt. Police said the driver continued on his or her way and did not stop.

Police said the crash "is proof of just how dangerous it can be if you don't clear off your vehicle."

Police across Massachusetts over the last two weeks have ticketed or warned drivers for failing to clear snow from their vehicles. The state has received more than 2 feet of snow during that time and another snowstorm is expected to hit Monday or Tuesday.

Massachusetts law requires drivers to clear snow from vehicles before hitting the road. The law also applies to tractor-trailer drivers who may require a ladder or roof rake to reach snow high atop the vehicle. Police say not clearing snow from a vehicle presents multiple hazards, from obscuring the driver's view to having snow or ice fly off into other vehicles.

Last week, police ticketed or warned these drivers for failing to clear snow from their vehicles:

In 2011, a Westford woman was seriously injured in New Hampshire after flying ice from another vehicle struck her vehicle.

More:

• Massachusetts Weather: Another Nor'easter Eyed First Day Of Spring
• Massachusetts Police: Please Clear Snow From Your Car

Photo credit: Bourne Police Department/Jennifer Richards