Drivers should avoid driving with snow on the roof of a vehicle because it can lead to accidents. This caution was shared by automobile expert Vyacheslav Subbotin on Moscow 24.
Subbotin explained that snow on a roof is not simply light and fluffy; it is often compacted in layers. When the car is moving, these layers can break loose and fly toward following vehicles, potentially striking windshields and creating a hazardous situation. He emphasized that such incidents occur with surprising frequency during winter driving and can result in sudden, dangerous emergencies for drivers behind.
The expert added that trucks carrying heavy snow on their roofs pose the highest risk because the snow tends to come off in large, layered sheets, resembling an avalanche. This can cover the road and surprise drivers who are traveling at normal winter speeds. Subbotin urged motorists to clear all accumulated snow before setting out, especially from the roof, to reduce the chance of airborne debris that can cause congestion or collisions.
Earlier, Sergei Demidov, Vice President of Automobile Insurance at Renaissance Insurance, pointed out that road accidents increase during winter snowfall in Russia, though the accidents are often less severe than those occurring in other seasons. He noted that the typical insurance claim value after a winter crash is about 4% lower on average than during clearer months. Demidov attributed this to drivers slowing down and taking extra precautions when weather conditions deteriorate. He suggested that prudence and reduced speeds help mitigate the severity and frequency of winter crashes.
Similar observations have been shared by road safety organizations in North America, where snow and ice create consistent challenges for drivers. Experts advise routine pre-trip checks, including the removal of snow from all surfaces of the vehicle, especially the roof and hood, to prevent dislodged snow from reaching nearby cars. Salient tips include keeping a clear line of sight, leaving extra following distance, and adapting speed to the conditions. The common thread across regions is that careful planning before and during winter drives helps reduce risk.
In practice, many drivers underestimate the danger of snow on the roof because it sits out of sight from inside the vehicle. The moment the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, gravity and wind can pull off snow layers in sheets. The resulting projectiles can endanger passengers in nearby cars or cause sudden evasive maneuvers that lead to further incidents. Road safety experts recommend removing snow as part of a routine winter check, just as if a driver were checking tires, wipers, and fluids.
National and regional guidance often stresses that snow removal should be done before departure, not after a delay caused by an unexpected snowstorm. In Canada and the United States, authorities stress that what may seem like a minor build-up on a roof can create major hazards once the vehicle reaches highway speeds. The recurring lesson is simple: better to take an extra minute to clear the roof than to risk a multi-car incident caused by snow shedding from the top of a vehicle.
Overall, the key takeaway is clear. Snow on the roof is more than an aesthetic issue; it is a real safety risk that can affect every driver on the road. Clearing it is a small, responsible act that can prevent serious accidents and protect others on the road. [Subbotin, Moscow 24] [Demidov, Renaissance Insurance] [North American road safety advisories]