Driver pleads guilty to negligent driving in snow, ice case
LONDONDERRY, N.H. (AP) — A box truck driver who was accused of not clearing snow and ice from his roof that dislodged and struck a car, breaking its windshield and injuring the driver, in Londonderry has pleaded guilty to a negligent driving violation.
Other charges against Richard Leiter, 60, of Derry, including vehicular assault and reckless conduct, both misdemeanors, were dismissed on Wednesday.
Leiter was driving on Route 102 on Dec. 9 when ice and snow from his truck roof went through a car windshield, police said. The driver of the car, Michael Conry, 22, of Londonderry, suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries to his face and eyes, police said. He underwent surgery to remove pieces of glass from his eyes.
Leiter cooperated with police. He was fined over $300 for the negligent driving violation and faces other restitution costs. Separately, Conry filed a lawsuit against him seeking a jury trial and damages. Leiter hasn’t responded to the complaint yet, according to court documents.
A New Hampshire law known as “Jessica’s Law” requires drivers to remove snow and ice from the roof of their vehicles before driving on public roads.