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Posted on the 10th January 2025 in PHTM News
CABBIE TERRIFIED AS FLYING ICE SHATTERS WINDSCREEN ON M53
A Birkenhead private hire driver has issued a stark warning to motorists after a block of frozen snow, dislodged from a passing vehicle, smashed his windscreen on the M53 motorway.
John Humphreys, 38, described the terrifying incident as feeling "like a bomb had gone off in the car." He was driving along the motorway after completing a series of fares when the ice struck the passenger side of his windscreen with immense force.
"The bang was deafening," Humphreys told the Liverpool Echo. "I initially thought someone had thrown a brick from a bridge. But when I pulled over, I realised there was no bridge nearby."
It was only upon seeing other vehicles driving over scattered ice on the carriageway that Humphreys understood the source of the impact.
While initially concerned about the cost of repairs and lost earnings, the gravity of the situation dawned on him after fellow taxi drivers expressed their shock at his narrow escape.
"People were saying how much worse it could have been," Humphreys said. "That's when it really hit me how dangerous it was."
Frustrated by the insurance company's delay in arranging repairs, Humphreys is urging motorists to thoroughly clear their vehicles of snow before driving.
"I wouldn't have thought much of it before, but once the snow freezes, it comes off like bricks," he warned.
While there is no specific law against driving with snow on your roof, the RAC warns that dislodged ice can pose a significant danger to other motorists. This could lead to penalties for "driving without due consideration" or "using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition," potentially resulting in fines and points on your licence.
The motoring organisation emphasises the importance of clearing all windows and using appropriate tools to ensure thorough removal of snow and ice.
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