Ice Shatters Minnesota Driver’s Windshield

Our long, cold winter here in Minnesota is enough to send shivers up your spine the way it is, but now we have to worry about ice shattering the windshield on our vehicles, too?!?

According to the Minnesota State Patrol Facebook page, that's exactly what happened to this car in the Twin Cities earlier this week. A sheet of ice flew off a semi truck as it was travelling at highway speed and went right through the windshield of this car. It happened in on Highway 36 Roseville, near Snelling Ave. The post goes on to say that, luckily, the driver walked away with only minor injuries. So far, they haven't been able to track down the truck that lost the ice.

The story continues, saying, "It is illegal to drive any vehicle with material that could potentially break loose and create a hazard. The State Patrol reminds motorists to check and remove any snow or ice before hitting the road. We also remind drivers to stay back from large vehicles and remain alert, especially in winter and spring where we see freezing and melting temperatures."

Yikes! I remember a coworker telling me how she was travelling behind a truck loaded with lumber that just happened to lose part of its load as it passed underneath an overpass while on I-94 near Eau Claire, and a piece of 2x4 lumber smashed into her windshield. Luckily, she wasn't hurt, either. But I still think of her story every time I pass a truck while going under an overpass. Now, I'll think about a chunk of ice flying off, too!