Ice Flies Off Truck In King of Prussia, Crashes Through Car Windshield

By Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff)

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A large chunk of snow and ice crashed through the windshield of a car on the Pennsylvania Turnpike near King of Prussia early Wednesday morning, causing damage to the vehicle. The driver is warning other drivers to clear their cars before they get on the roads.

"This is the reason why you must clear snow and ice off of your vehicles," said Greg Hecht of Branchburg, N.J.

Hecht was driving around 8:30 a.m. on March 15 when a large chunk of ice flew off the top of an 18-wheeler and crashed through his windshield.

"It sounded like a large thud, a large thump," Hecht recalled. "It took a second to realize what happened then I made sure my passenger was okay."

His passenger took photos of the truck then they pulled over.

"It hit the passenger side of the windshield, if it had hit my side I would've been blinded," Hecht said.

No one was injured but it was a very close call, as Hecht points out the ice comes about halfway through the windshield.

Hecht called a state trooper who then helped by duct taping his windshield to help him get home. However, while the cop was taking the report another identical incident came in over the radio, Hecht said.

In New Jersey, it is the law for drivers must remove all ice and snow from vehicles before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

There are approximately 500 fatalities in the United States per year due to icy road conditions, according to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety.

(Images via Greg Hecht)