Date of Incident: 14 Feb 2007
Time of Incident: 1402hrs

Our department is seeking the identity of a tractor trailer rig that caused injury to a juvenile motorist when snow/ice fell from the truck. 

On 02-14-07 at 2:02 PM, a mother and daughter were traveling in their vehicle eastbound (towards Spring Grove) on Rt. 116.  This vehicle was following a tractor trailer rig, only described as having a white trailer, no further description.  Approx. ½ mile from Spring Grove at the intersection of Colonial Valley Rd., North Codorus Twp., a large sheet of ice from the top of the trailer rig dislodged and crashed into the windshield of the a 1999 Dodge Durango, driven by Carolyn W. Sterner, Hanover, PA. 

The large sheet of ice actually cut through the windshield, instead of simply smashing the glass.  Shards of glass from the impact caused lacerations to the face of the juvenile passenger in the right front seat.  She was treated at the scene by Spring Grove Ambulance and required not further treatment. 

The Sterner vehicle was traveling 2-3 car lengths behind the truck.  We do not believe that the truck driver was aware of what occurred.

As a reminder, in May of this year the State passed a law, Act 37, that makes a driver criminally responsible for any serious injuries or death that occurs due to snow falling from a vehicle.  It is recommended that snow and ice be removed from any vehicle prior to driving the vehicle.  Motorists should remain a safe distance behind large trucks and other vehicles so as to avoid snow and ice if it falls from a vehicle.

Any witnesses to this incident are asked to contact the Southwestern Regional Police Department at 717-225-1333, ext. 106; Ofr. Jeff Knouse.