Driver Unhurt After Bird Crashes Through Windshield In New Jersey

MONTVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - State police say a large bird crashed into a driver's windshield as the vehicle was traveling on a northern New Jersey highway.

But the female driver was not injured in the crash, which occurred around 8 a.m. Monday on Route 80 in Montville. The woman's name was not disclosed,

State police tell The Record that they believe the bird was a turkey. They say it may have been hit by a truck traveling in the center lane and then went through the windshield of the woman's car, which was traveling in the left lane.

"The bird was removed and may possibly be a turkey that was struck in the center lane by a truck and then flew into the windshield," New Jersey State Police Sgt. Adam Grossman told WCBS 880. "It's pretty rare to have an animal like that go through somebody's windshield. But of course in New Jersey, there are a lot of deer. We see those type of accidents where deer might run into a vehicle. But not a turkey or a bird."

The bird landed in the back seat.

Grossman said while this was a rare incident, it is important to always be alert while driving.

"Be aware of your surroundings to the best of your ability while you're driving and drive in a defense posture. Expect the unexpected," Grossman told WCBS 880.

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