A fatal accident in Nesquehoning on Christmas Day in 2005 inspired a push for stricter rules on the removal of snow and ice from tractor-trailers.

Nearly 17 years later, the proposed changes are on the governor’s desk, poised to become law.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania state Senate unanimously approved a bill which would require all drivers to clear snow and ice from their vehicles within 24 hours of a storm. It would also allow police to pull them over and fine them if they appear to pose a hazard to other drivers.

The house unanimously approved the bill last week.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton, authored the bill in memory of Christine Lambert, who died Christmas Day 2005 on Route 209.

“The goal of Christine’s Law is to increase public awareness and make people more vigilant about clearing snow and ice from their vehicles,” Boscola said in a statement.

Lambert was traveling to visit family on Christmas in a car driven by her husband, Frank, when a large chunk of ice dislodged from a truck passing in the opposite direction. It broke through the windshield and struck her in the head. Their son Matthew was lying in the back seat, and the chunk of ice traveled over him.

The truck did not stop, and it was never located.

Frank and Matthew Lambert have supported the bill, testifying in Harrisburg in 2016. In a statement they praised Boscola for pushing for changes.

“There are no words to adequately support the importance of Christine’s Law to our family. Christine is dearly missed by her family and friends,” they said.

The bill would make it possible for police to pull over any vehicle - passenger or commercial - if it appears to pose a hazard due to accumulated snow and ice. The bill says drivers must make reasonable efforts to remove snow from the hood, trunk and roof of their vehicle. There would be exceptions if a driver can’t safely remove the snow and ice in compliance with workplace safety rules.

The law would also increase the maximum fine to $1,500 if snow or ice from a vehicle injures or kills a pedestrian or another driver.

Boscola introduced the changes as “Christine’s Law.” She introduced it during every legislative session since 2005. Earlier this year, the Senate incorporated them into another bill reforming the state’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

“It’s been a long road to get this bill to the governor’s desk, but it was a fight I had to win for Christine’s husband, Frank, and son Matthew,” she said.