Drivers Urged to Clear Ice from Cars After Windshield Damage Incidents

Chunks of ice flying off vehicles are shattering windshields and raising safety concerns in the Triad region.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Drivers in the Triad region of North Carolina are reporting incidents where chunks of ice flying off other vehicles have shattered their windshields, leading to calls for all drivers to thoroughly clear ice and snow from their cars before hitting the road. Affected drivers Karen Wilkins and Travis Shoffner are urging others to be responsible and remove all weather-related material from their vehicles to prevent potential injuries or damage to those around them.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight the serious safety risks posed by neglecting to properly clear ice and snow from vehicles. Loose ice can become dangerous projectiles, potentially causing damage, injuries, or even worse outcomes if it strikes another driver or pedestrian. Raising awareness of this issue is crucial to promoting safer driving conditions during winter weather.

The details

In separate incidents, Karen Wilkins and Travis Shoffner had their windshields shattered by large chunks of ice that flew off the vehicles in front of them while driving on local highways. Wilkins said the experience was "terrifying," with glass exploding into her car. Shoffner's work truck also sustained significant damage, with cracks spreading across the windshield. The owner of a local auto glass shop, Doug Pfaff, says his business has seen an uptick in customers needing windshield repairs due to these types of incidents.

  • Last weekend's winter storm and frozen temperatures led to the buildup of ice on many vehicles in the Triad region.
  • The incidents involving Wilkins and Shoffner occurred in recent weeks while driving on I-40 and in Rural Hall, respectively.

The players

Karen Wilkins

A driver who had her windshield shattered by a chunk of ice that flew off the car in front of her while driving on I-40.

Travis Shoffner

A driver whose work truck sustained significant windshield damage when a piece of ice struck it while he was driving through Rural Hall.

Doug Pfaff

The owner of Pfaff's Auto Glass, a local business that has seen an increase in customers needing windshield repairs due to ice-related incidents.

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What they’re saying

“The next thing I knew, I felt glass in my face, in my lap, all in my car. There was just a glass explosion. My daughter screamed and started crying. I screamed, what's happened? It was terrifying.”

— Karen Wilkins

“We could have really got hurt. It could have been a whole lot worse than what happened.”

— Travis Shoffner

“Stay a little further away from the big trucks and vans, like the high-top vans. Most of the people that drive those, they can't get up on the ladder and clean those things off. They'll drive and the ice comes off in big chunks.”

— Doug Pfaff, Owner, Pfaff's Auto Glass

What’s next

Drivers in the Triad region are urged to thoroughly clear all ice and snow from their vehicles before driving to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.

The takeaway

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of taking the time to properly clear ice and snow from vehicles during winter weather. Neglecting to do so can have serious consequences, putting drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk of damage, injury, or worse.