In a truly unbelievable turn of events, a routine drive turned into a jaw-dropping moment when a turtle crashed through the windshield of a moving vehicle in Savannah, Georgia.
While the idea of such an incident might sound like something from a movie, it happened for real—and what’s even more astonishing is that both occupants of the car escaped without serious injuries.
This bizarre accident, which occurred on May 12, 2020, left siblings Latonya Lark and Kevin Grant in shock, but fortunately, with only minor injuries. Here’s how the event unfolded and why it serves as a crucial reminder for drivers everywhere to stay alert on the road.
The Shocking Accident: A Turtle Through the Windshield
It was a normal day in Savannah, Georgia, and Latonya Lark and her brother Kevin Grant were driving northbound on Harry S Truman Parkway, running errands.
The calm of their drive was abruptly shattered—quite literally—when something crashed through their windshield. Lark initially thought it was a brick. “My God, there’s a brick!” she exclaimed, startled by the object flying toward them.
However, it wasn’t a brick. The projectile that came crashing into their vehicle turned out to be a turtle, flung into the air by a vehicle ahead of them that likely struck the creature on the road.
The impact caused the turtle to smash into the windshield, leaving Lark and Grant covered in shattered glass. Thankfully, the turtle became lodged in the windshield instead of breaking all the way through, sparing the siblings from what could have been far more serious injuries.
Sibling Reactions to the Incident
Both Lark and Grant were left reeling from the unexpected event. Grant, a licensed cosmetologist, recalled the moment the glass shattered: “When the glass broke, the first thing that came to my mind was to shield myself. I turned and covered up, instinctively trying to protect myself from the flying debris.”
The siblings immediately pulled over to assess the damage and call for help. The police were called to the scene, and a report was made. The car had sustained such significant damage that it was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed away. The turtle, which was lodged in the windshield, was carefully removed by authorities.
A Miraculous Escape Thanks to Quick Thinking
Reflecting on the near-catastrophe, Lark credited both the sturdiness of the windshield and her own quick thinking for averting disaster. She explained, “According to the police officer, had the glass not been as thick as it was, and if I hadn’t immediately reduced my speed when I saw the object, it could have been catastrophic.”
Her quick reaction to slow down as the turtle approached played a vital role in mitigating the severity of the accident. The thick windshield, designed to withstand impacts, did its job by preventing the turtle from completely breaking through.
The Aftermath: A Sad Twist for the Turtle
Remarkably, the turtle survived the initial impact but wasn’t unscathed. It lost one of its legs during the incident, which made survival difficult for the reptile. A few days later, when Lark checked in to see how the turtle was doing, she was met with the sad news—it had succumbed to its injuries, primarily due to severe blood loss from its leg injury.
This tragic end to the turtle’s life added a somber note to an already surreal and shocking experience. Despite the heart-stopping moment, Lark and Grant were grateful for their safety, even as they mourned the turtle’s loss.
A Stark Reminder for Drivers
Following the accident, Lark shared an important message for all drivers: always stay vigilant on the road. “If people are not paying attention to the road… you know, whoever hit that turtle, they had to have been flying,” Lark stated. Her words highlight a critical point—had the driver who struck the turtle been more cautious, this accident may never have occurred.
Lark’s warning reminds us that road hazards can come from the most unexpected places, and that staying focused while driving is essential for preventing both common and rare accidents. Whether it’s debris, animals crossing the road, or in this case, a turtle being flung into the air by another vehicle, being alert is key to avoiding serious incidents.
Lessons Learned: Vigilance is Essential
This bizarre but true story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying aware and focused when behind the wheel. We often think of driving as routine, but as Lark and Grant’s experience shows, even the most unusual and improbable events can happen at any moment.
The turtle crash underscores the fact that you can never predict what might occur on the road. It also reinforces the necessity of practicing safe driving habits—pay attention, reduce speed when needed, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Such mindfulness can mean the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening accident.
Share Your Own Road Experiences
Have you ever encountered an unusual or unexpected event windshield while driving? Whether it’s a wild animal crossing the road or a surprising object causing an unexpected stop, we’d love to hear your stories.
Join the conversation on our Website and share your own road adventures. Let’s keep each other informed and safe on the roads!
