Currently, there is no legislation preemptively requiring the removal of snow and ice from a vehicle prior to being deemed "road-safe". According to Bob Nicols with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), their position on ice/snow buildup on commercial vehicles is as follows; “There are currently no specific requirements under the Highway Traffic Act for commercial vehicle drivers or operators to clear the accumulated snow and ice from the roof of trucks or trailers. Snow and ice that has naturally accumulated on the roofs of vehicles is not considered part of the legitimate load and, therefore, is not subject to load securement requirements" (Source: Brian Turner, Carleton Place Almonte Canadian Gazette; February 18, 2015). But then, he specifies that "any snow and ice that has naturally accumulated on any vehicle, and falls off while the vehicle is on the highway, is considered a road hazard. Under the Highway Traffic Act, no one may drive a vehicle on a highway if it is in a dangerous or unsafe condition which endangers road users. Police and Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers use this section of the act to deal with this type of situation.” However, further to this, “most van-bodied trucks and trailers’ roof structures are not designed for drivers to climb or walk on, and combined with winter weather conditions, would create an unsafe workplace for the driver [...] Ministry of Labour advises that Ontario’s workplace safety laws require the employer to provide anyone working more than 3.04 metres (10 feet) above the ground with fall arrest equipment, scaffolding, etc. to prevent falls. If drivers were required to remove the accumulated snow and ice from the tops of vehicles, it would mean having the necessary snow and ice removal equipment available at all locations where trucks and trailers park or terminal in Ontario. This would have a significant impact on the trucking and manufacturing communities.” So essentially, they are stating that the inconvenience of providing the proper equipment to remove snow or ice outweighs the risk that the latter poses on other vehicles on the road. Why is this important to me? Because I was one of those "other vehicles" this past winter. My story: On January 8th, 2015, I was driving West-bound on the 401 between Highway 15 and Montreal St exits. I was behind a tractor-trailor while keeping my distance, as per usual. There was another vehicle behind me and someone passing me on the left. All of a sudden, a large chunk of what-looked-like soft fluffy snow flew off the roof of the truck and towards my car. As I could not move over to the left lane, nor could I slam on my brakes, I decided to let the snow hit my car and turned my wipers on in anticipation of having my vision compromised momentarily. The piece was approximately 1/3 the size of my windshield and to my surprise, had yet to "break apart" as it flew towards me. Then it hit me. Literally. The sound of my windshield smashing and shards of glass flying everywhere. It hit the passenger side of my windshield leaving me with minimal visibility. I was shaking and had no idea what to do. Do I attempt to have the driver pull over? Do I pull over? Should I not get off the road? I decided to get off the road as I had no idea what kind of damage this caused. Not before memorizing the license plate number and truck company as it drove off. The kind gentleman behind me pulled off with me and we drove to the nearest carpool. Being nearly 13 weeks pregnant, I was quite shaken. I looked back at my two children's empty car seats and thanked God that I was alone and the damage was not more severe. Even the bystander who pulled off with me spoke about how impressed he was that I remained calm and did not cause an accident. It could have been so much worse. At this time, I began making phone calls. To my insurance company, the trucking company, the police, my husband. The OPP officer arrived, took down the information and completed a report. After discussing the incident with him, this is when I realized that I may be completely helpless. And I was. Nothing could be done. I was forced to pay my deductible and the trucking company remains faultless in this. Something needs to change. It could have been worse and some day, it will be. There ARE mechanisms and equipment out there to prevent this. Let's make sure all vehicles are held to the same standard with regards to clearing off debris, namely snow and ice, prior to being on the road.