Leaving snow and ice on your vehicle could have costly consequences
A routine drive on Highway 102 took a terrifying turn when a massive chunk of ice shattered a motorist's windshield. Now facing costly repairs, she’s sharing her story to warn others. We report on how this incident could have been prevented.
“I didn’t like being covered in glass. That was probably the scariest part about the whole thing."
Caitlin Juntermanns is sharing her harrowing tale with The Weather Network to help raise awareness about the importance of clearing snow and ice off your vehicle before hitting the highway.
She was driving on Highway 102 in Halifax, N.S., on Feb. 18 when a large chunk of ice flew off the vehicle in front of her.
Windshield damage. (Caitlin Juntermanns/Submitted to The Weather Network)
“I’m talking about a roof-sized, massive piece of ice [that flipped] off the car, and it flew up first before it came right into my windshield," said Juntermanns.
She says she even tried to speed up to avoid getting hit, but it was an unavoidable, direct contact with her vehicle.
Juntermanns is thankful her 12-year-old daughter wasn’t with her since she usually sits in the front seat.
Juntermanns is now driving a rental vehicle while she waits for $7,000 worth of repairs on her vehicle to be finished. She wasn’t using a dashcam, but the driver behind her was able to get a photo of the vehicle with the license plate. She has contacted police with that information.
Ice. (Caitlin Juntermanns/Submitted to The Weather Network)
After the traumatic incident, Juntermanns has a message for other drivers.
“Clean your roofs off because this is something that could have been completely avoidable. The heat from the vehicle would have started to melt from the under-layer, and as soon as it hit wind, it decided to lift off," said Juntermanns. "I know it’s a pain smashing ice off your car, but it could literally save someone from being injured."
Thumbnail courtesy of Caitlin Juntermanns.