An Open Letter to the Officer in Hollis, New Hampshire, Who Takes ‘Jessica’s Law’ Seriously

It can be a shocking experience when you're driving on the highway and snow or worse, a sheet of ice, comes flying up from the roof of the car in front of you. Because of Jessica's Law, drivers in New Hampshire are legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road.

WMUR reporter Erin Fehlau posted this jarring photo on her Instagram:

People know how dangerous not clearing ice and snow off their roof can be, but sometimes laziness prevails. Every single winter, New Hampshire Police make a point to remind drivers that Jessica's Law in our state is no joke. You MUST clean off your roof before driving or there will be severe consequences.

What will happen if you decide to drive without clearing off your car? First-time violators can be fined up to $500, and multiple offenders can be fined up to $1,000, according to WMUR. It's not worth it, people!

What is the history behind Jessica's Law?

Jessica's Law came into effect in 2002. Library Guides reports that a sheet of ice flew off a tractor trailer truck and hit another one, causing a head-on collision in which Jessica Smith, 20, was killed. Jessica's mother, Linda Smith, has said in the past that "It takes not even five minutes to clean off your car. It can take three seconds to kill somebody."

We witnessed firsthand an example of Jessica's Law being enforced in our state the other day by a Hollis New Hampshire Police Officer.

Dear Officer,

Thank you for pulling over that driver a few days ago and insisting they remove the snow from their car. According to fellow members of the New Hampshire Subreddit Group, the Hollis Police Department is REALLY good about this and we love to see it.

Another person spotted a Hollis PD officer pull someone over by Walmart who had a bunch of snow on her roof. He also provided her with a snow brush and coached her through the process.

We appreciate all you do to keep our roads safe.

Sincerely,

An appreciative New Hampshire driver

Are people good about clearing snow off their cars in your town?