BOSTON -- Recent snowstorms have created harrowing incidents on state roads. As NewsCenter 5 reported last week, drivers' vehicles were hit with snow and ice from plows on overpasses and roads. Windshields and nerves were shattered.

Video | Photos: Plows Dump Snow On Cars

Team 5 Investigates' Susan Wornick discovered reasons for the recurring problems and what the state is doing about the safety hazard.

Last week Newscenter 5 producer Sam Butkeiwicus said she was shocked and scared when plow debris smashed her windshield as she drove on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

"It felt like a ton of bricks," said Butkeiwicus.

The same thing happened to driver Kevin Buchanon.

"It sounded like an explosion," Buchanon said.

Since those reports, similar accounts were called in to NewsCenter 5.

"A south bound plow was throwing slush and ice, actually, over the guard rail," said driver Mark Nickerson. "There was nowhere to go."

The front end of Nickerson's car was damaged when the debris hit.

"Snow overs" as Mass highway calls them, often go unreported. But Team 5 Investigates learned the state has received 15 claims from drivers in the past year. There are few laws pertaining to snow plow safety. None exists with regard to safety fences. Many local bridges and roads don't have them. And where they exist, many are either not high enough or not strong enough to stop plowed snow from hitting cars.

"Something has to be done," said Pat Chadbourne, whose husband's car was hit by snow in Boston from an overpass on a ramp to the Mass Pike. "I mean someone is going to get seriously hurt, or possibly killed," she said.

Where there are guidelines, there are indications some operators may not be obeying.

"It is absolutely a safety concern," said Mass Highway commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. "They need to slow it down on bridges."

As a result of Newscenter 5's previous reports, the state sent a stern reminder to operators not to exceed 35 mph on roadways, to stay closer to 25 mph on bridges, and to be conscious of traffic.

Team 5 Investigates also discovered troubling reports by drivers about difficulty collecting for repairs on their damaged cars.

Wornick: "Why doesn't the state pay to help people fix their cars?"

Commissioner Paiewonsky: "We would if they were Mass Highway operators. We have not had any complaints about Mass Highway operators. So Mass Highway has not reimbursed anyone for that. They were all contractors."

Paiewonsky said even though they are paid by the state, it's an independent snow plow driver's responsibility to pay when they've caused the damage. The state said it tries to help.

Nickerson said the state is passing the buck.

"They need to own up to the responsibility," said Nickerson. "Whether it was their vehicle or a contracted vehicle, they are an agent with them."

Nickerson has been unable to get his car fixed because the state said it didn't know who hit him.

Pat Chadbourne's husband's car was hit three years ago.

"There was nowhere to go," said Chadbourne. "There are concrete barriers on each side."

But the Chadbournes still haven't received any reimbursement.

"I don't think any private citizen should be out any money whatsoever," said Chadbourne.

Paiewonsky told Team 5 Investigates the state will help consumers get their money back where state roads are concerned. She also said the construction of all new bridges in the state will include newer and safer fencing.