Winter in the Empire State has been making sure that people all over New York know that it's here. Not only have just about every area of the state been impacted by extremely cold temperatures, but a large chunk of the state has also been dealing with some heavy snowfall.

From Buffalo to Brooklyn, Watertown to Westchester, all of the snow that has been hitting the region has really made day-to-day life difficult. Just trying to accomplish regular activities becomes that much more difficult when you have to measure snow with a yardstick, and you have several inches of it stuck on the roof of your car.

While you may be tempted to just get in your car and drive on without brushing the snow off, it's extremely important that you do, and a serious accident that happened on a New York State highway reinforces that point.

READ MORE: Massive Car Crash Shuts Down New York State Thruway

It's pretty dangerous to drive around with a glacier of snow on the roof of your car, and while you may just be feeling lazy, it's super important to clear it off. Also, you may not realize it, but it is actually against the law in New York State to not brush off your car.

Ice Chunk Smashes Car Windshield On New York State Thruway

According to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, it is illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle with an accumulation of snow, sleet, or hail on it. When you do, especially when you're driving at high speeds, that snow or ice can fly off your car and create dangerous situations for other drivers.

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That exact thing happened on I-81 when a huge chunk of ice flew off a truck and smashed into the windshield of another vehicle.

According to the New York State Police, a slab of ice crashed through the windshield and driver's side window of a car. Luckily, the driver of the vehicle was not injured, but the situation was extremely dangerous.

Please make sure you take the time needed to clear off your car, you may literally save someone's life.

10 Winter Car Essentials Every New York Driver Needs

As winter tightens its grip on New York, driving can get dicey, with snowstorms and icy roads creating potentially hazardous situations. Whether you’re navigating the snowy streets of Syracuse, the icy roads of Utica, or the blustery highways of beyond, preparation is key. Having the essentials in your car can make all the difference in an emergency.

Gallery Credit: Canva/TSM

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