A Pennsylvania electrician’s routine drive turned into a near-death experience when a massive chunk of ice shattered his windshield on Interstate 78.
At a Glance
- Josh Keating survived a near-fatal incident when ice from a UPS truck smashed his windshield
- The event was captured on dashcam video on Interstate 78 near Hamburg
- Keating managed to safely pull over, sustaining only minor injuries
- Pennsylvania law requires drivers to clear snow and ice from vehicles within 24 hours of snowfall
- Keating plans to become a road safety advocate to prevent similar incidents
Miraculous Escape on Interstate 78
Josh Keating, an electrician from Pennsylvania, experienced a harrowing incident while driving on Interstate 78 near Hamburg. A large piece of ice, which had come loose from a UPS tractor-trailer traveling in the opposite direction, struck and shattered Keating’s windshield. The sudden impact left him momentarily disoriented but somehow managed to bring his vehicle to a safe stop.
Recounting the terrifying moment, Keating said, “Next thing I know, out of nowhere, I saw a split second, and then all I heard was a crash and bang, and my windshield came in.” The incident, captured on dashcam video, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from improperly cleared vehicles during winter months.
A Call for Improved Road Safety
In the aftermath of his near-fatal experience, Keating is advocating for stricter adherence to road safety measures. Pennsylvania state law mandates that drivers clear snow and ice from their vehicles within 24 hours of snowfall, with fines imposed for non-compliance. However, this incident highlights the potential deadly consequences when these regulations are not followed, especially by commercial vehicles.
“Something that I’m gonna be doing from now on is educating and just talking about this to as many people as possible to hopefully they get this to stop because this happens more often than not,” Josh Keating said.
The Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the incident, with potential charges pending. This event underscores the critical importance of proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety regulations, particularly in challenging winter conditions.
A Grateful Survivor Turns Advocate
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, Keating miraculously escaped with only minor cuts and bruises on his hands. Reflecting on his brush with death, he expressed profound gratitude for his survival.
“I definitely had angels with me,” Josh Keating said.
This near-tragedy has inspired Keating to take on a new role as a road safety advocate. He aims to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured ice and snow on vehicles, hoping to prevent similar accidents in the future. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsibility on the road, especially during harsh winter conditions.
