Imagine this scenario: it’s Thursday afternoon, and you’re gearing up for a long weekend filled with barbecues and cold drinks. As you head home from work, you find yourself caught in heavy traffic due to road construction. Your turn is approaching, but after four light cycles, the signal is red again. Just beyond the construction barriers lies your escape, with no workers in sight, only cones. Do you attempt to navigate through and make the turn?
In Lincoln, Nebraska, a 19-year-old driver decided to take that risk. According to reports from KETV, the teenager’s attempt to break free from the jam ended poorly. He drove his Honda Civic straight into freshly poured concrete, which had been set down less than 30 minutes prior, as detailed in the police report. This incident was far less glamorous than a recent report by The Drive about a Subaru Impreza dodging around a construction zone.
Thomas Shafer, a city engineer in Lincoln, confirmed that the driver is liable for the costs associated with the repairs, which will not be covered by taxpayers. A contractor has estimated the damages to exceed $10,000. This amount will cover the removal of the vehicle, the damaged concrete, and the subsequent pouring and finishing of new concrete.
Another local news outlet, Fox 42, reported that it took over two hours to extract the car from the wet concrete. Ironically, the driver was trying to circumvent congestion, but his actions only exacerbated the traffic situation.
Fortunately, the only casualty from this incident was the driver’s sense of pride. Shafer shared a straightforward piece of advice: “Pay attention to the cones out there, and pay attention to the sign.” At least this situation is likely easier to explain to his insurance company than an encounter with Bigfoot.
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