News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
78°
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting

'I’m lucky to be alive.' Flying ice slams into driver’s windshield

Owen Barreira, of Hillside, says the incident happened on Jan. 28 around 4:30 p.m., when snow and ice from a car in front of him struck his passenger-side windshield, sending glass across his vehicle.

Amanda Eustice

Jan 30, 2026, 10:21 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A Union County driver says he’s grateful to be alive after snow and ice flew off the roof of another vehicle and smashed into his windshield while driving on the Garden State Parkway.

Owen Barreira, of Hillside, says the incident happened on Jan. 28 around 4:30 p.m., when snow and ice from a car in front of him struck his passenger-side windshield, sending glass across his vehicle. He reported the incident to police and provided the license plate information, but says without photos or video, there was little the officers could do.

Barreira says he’s now left dealing with the damage through his own insurance, calling it frustrating and unfair.

Auto glass shops across New Jersey say they’ve seen a surge in cracked and shattered windshields following recent winter storms. State law requires drivers to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 if flying debris causes damage or injuries.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices