RI Man Lucky to Be Alive after Trailer Hitch Flies Through Windshield

A Rhode Island man is counting his lucky stars — and warning other drivers — after a trailer hitch from another vehicle few through his windshield while driving south on Interstate 295 recently.

“I heard a loud crash but didn’t know what happened,” he said. ”Because it is still dark at 5 a.m., my first thought was I hit a deer.”

The man, a Woonsocket resident, asked not to be identified because he hasn’t told his 85-year-old mother about the incident and does not want her to worry.

“I would like to say if you own a trailer hitch please take a few minutes to check it. Make sure it is secure and locked on. Or if you do not plan on using it remove it from your vehicle. The next person that gets hit with a flying hitch may not be as lucky as I was.”

“I managed to safely work my way over to the right breakdown lane,” he continued. “After turning on my interior light that is when I saw all the blood, broken glass, a big hole in my windshield, and your 3-ball trailer hitch on my front seat. Then I noticed a serious gash and a big flap of skin hanging from my forearm. I frantically reached for my cell phone. I couldn’t find it. After wrapping my arm in a towel I stepped out of the car and tried to get the attention of someone driving by.”

Two people stopped to help. One called 911, another put a tourniquet on his arm.

“I was so grateful l and relieved that they stopped to help me. The Johnston Fire/Rescue arrived shortly thereafter, along with a RI State Trooper,” he said. ”The caring and very competent nurses and doctors in the ER stitched up my wound and released me at 1:30 p.m.“

After that near-death experience, the man has a message for the driver whose unsecured trailer hitch went flying.

“Your flying 3-ball trailer hitch totaled my car! Miraculously I am alive and able to go shopping for another vehicle. If you want your trailer hitch back, it is still in the front seat of my car at the junkyard.”

“More importantly,” he said. “I would like to say if you own a trailer hitch please take a few minutes to check it. Make sure it is secure and locked on. Or if you do not plan on using it remove it from your vehicle. The next person that gets hit with a flying hitch may not be as lucky as I was.”