After Flying Ax Scare, Drivers Cited for Unsecured Shovels, Storm Grates

By Jason Claffey

Last month, State Police said an unsecured ax flew off the back of a truck and crashed through a car windshield on Route 95 in Topsfield.

The passenger in the vehicle was not hurt, but it was obviously a close call.

In response, State Police conducted a patrol operation targeting motorists driving around with unsecured cargo. Police said they issued nearly 100 citations. One was given to a driver who had a bunch of unsecured shovels and other equipment on Route 93 in Canton; another was given to a driver with unsecured storm grates on Route 3 in Plymouth.

“Commercial motorists are reminded that unsecured tools, building material, or other cargo can fly off their trucks and strike motorists traveling behind them,” police said in a statement. “These projectiles have the potential to cause serious injuries. The State Police truck team will continue to make enforcement of this law a priority.”