I am Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
This month’s words are “Month of love.” Let’s stay positive. Love thy neighbor during these winter months. Go outside and enjoy sliding, skiing, and snowshoeing when the weather allows. If the ice is safe, go skating. Remember to walk like a penguin on ice. Bowdoin College has public skating on Sunday afternoons. Get some exercise.
Question from a reader
Reader: I read your recent “New Year’s checklist” column and I have a topic I would like you to readdress. Clean off your vehicle’s roof. After the first storm, I got quite a scare. I had sheets of snow and ice fly off the car in front of me on Route 1 just after I entered the highway from the on-ramp out of Cook’s Corner. I was temporarily blinded. If I am not mistaken, this was put into law. Regardless, it is common sense to create a safe environment on our roadways.
Island Law: Drivers have a responsibility to clear their vehicles of ice and snow. The fine for operating a motor vehicle without taking reasonable measures to prevent snow or ice from falling off the vehicle is $85 for a first offense or $245 for a second offense. The fine for operating with an obstructed view is $152.
Yield to emergency vehicles
Be mindful and yield to our emergency vehicles: police vehicles, fire trucks, rescue units and volunteers. If you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle, you’ll have to see the judge. It’s a Class E crime. If you see flashing lights behind you, pull over safely.
Next month: Don’t forget Town Meeting. Your vote counts!
If you would like to suggest a subject, please email me at bradbury@cumberlandcounty.org. I have received many suggestions. Please be patient and you may see yours in a future column.
Remember, let’s be safe out there! And don’t get voted off the islands.
Fine print: The views above are the views of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
