Crime & Safety

After Flying Ax Scare, State Police Cite Nearly 100 Drivers for Unsecured Cargo

Police cracked down after an incident last month where an unsecured ax flew through the windshield of a trailing car.

Last month, State Police said an unsecured ax flew off the back of a truck and crashed through a car windshield on Route 95 in Topsfield. The passenger in the vehicle was not hurt, but it was obviously a close call.

In response, State Police conducted a patrol operation targeting motorists driving around with unsecured cargo. Police said they issued nearly 100 citations. One was given to a driver who had a bunch of unsecured shovels and other equipment on Route 93 in Canton; another was given to a driver with unsecured storm grates on Route 3 in Plymouth.

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“Commercial motorists are reminded that unsecured tools, building material, or other cargo can fly off their trucks and strike motorists traveling behind them,” police said in a statement. “These projectiles have the potential to cause serious injuries. The State Police truck team will continue to make enforcement of this law a priority.”

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