A Brooklyn family had a close call last week when a wooden board flew off a pickup truck and smashed their car’s windshield on the Verrazano Bridge. David Deng was driving his family to a funeral when high winds sent the unsecured board hurtling toward them. Dashcam footage shows the terrifying moment the debris struck, leaving the windshield shattered but everyone unharmed.
The driver of the white Chevy pickup truck had pulled over to secure the board but failed to properly tie it down. Strong gusts blew the wood loose, sending it crashing into Deng’s vehicle. Critics argue this incident shows a growing carelessness among drivers, with too many ignoring basic safety rules. New York law requires loads to be covered or secured, but enforcement appears lax.
Deng kept calm and steered the damaged car to safety, avoiding further collisions. His quick thinking likely prevented a worse outcome. However, he’s frustrated that the NYPD and other authorities haven’t helped track down the truck driver. Many conservatives point to this as another example of government agencies failing to hold individuals accountable for reckless behavior.
Similar accidents have happened nationwide, like in Pennsylvania where lumber fell from a truck and smashed into a car below. Overseas in Thailand, loose planks have caused costly damage and injuries. These incidents highlight a pattern of negligence that puts innocent lives at risk. Some argue stricter penalties and better driver education could reduce such dangers.
The Deng family’s experience underscores the importance of personal responsibility. Drivers must secure their loads properly instead of relying on others to dodge their mistakes. Common-sense precautions—like using tarps or straps—could prevent most of these accidents. Yet too many ignore these simple steps, expecting taxpayers or insurance companies to cover the costs.
While Deng’s dashcam captured the incident, authorities still haven’t identified the truck driver. This has led to calls for better traffic monitoring and harsher fines for unsecured loads. Critics say New York’s current $250 minimum fine is too weak to deter reckless behavior. Stronger consequences might make drivers think twice before cutting corners.
The Deng family’s close call serves as a warning. With high winds and busy roads, every driver must take safety seriously. Relying on government agencies to solve problems after the fact isn’t enough. Individuals must step up, follow the law, and protect their communities through responsible actions.
Thankfully, no one was hurt this time. But without real accountability and a renewed focus on personal duty, these near-misses will keep happening. It’s a reminder that freedom comes with responsibility—a lesson some drivers still need to learn.
