Near-Death Experience on the road: A Father’s Terrifying Encounter
Table of Contents
On a quiet Saturday evening, Kevin Verhuijsen, a father of two from Helmond, experienced a moment that would leave anyone shaken. While driving along the 100-kilometer stretch between Helmond and Eindhoven, a sudden and unexpected act of violence unfolded. A stone was hurled from a viaduct, shattering his windshield. “I was scared to death,” Kevin recalled, his voice still trembling with the memory. Moments before the impact, he spotted two teenagers dressed in dark clothing standing atop the viaduct. “they were young boys, teenagers, and out of nowhere, the blow followed.”
Destruction in an instant
In the chaos of the moment, Kevin’s instincts kicked in.”I could only think of one thing at the time.Keep driving straight and slowly to the side,” he said. Managing to pull over safely, he immediately contacted the police. Officers arrived at the Nuenen viaduct shortly after, but the perpetrators had vanished. “It was then driven to the Nuenen viaduct, but the throwers had already disappeared,” Kevin explained.
The next morning, Kevin filed a formal report. He expressed his belief that the incident was more than just vandalism. “I think this is an attempted manslaughter. There are examples of motorists who did not survive an attack by a stone thrower,” he said. However, the officer who took his report classified the incident as ‘destruction,’ a decision that left Kevin feeling unsettled.
A Disheartening Response
For Kevin, the lack of immediate action from law enforcement added to his frustration. “This could have ended much worse. No officer came to me that evening to inspect the situation and damage,” he shared.The classification of the incident as mere destruction felt like a dismissal of its severity. “The fact that it is indeed now being dismissed as destruction feels like an injustice,” he added.
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred in the region. In the past, cars have been targeted with stones thrown from viaducts in Brabant. While many perpetrators have evaded capture, some have been brought to justice. In Gemert, for instance, teenagers involved in similar acts were convicted of serious assault and public violence.
A police spokesperson later clarified that the classification of the incident as ‘destruction’ could be revised following further examination. This offers a glimmer of hope for Kevin, who remains steadfast to see justice served.
What safety precautions would Michael Carter recommend to other drivers based on his experience?
Interview with Michael Carter: A Father’s Terrifying Near-Death Experience on the Road
Archyde News: Good afternoon, Mr.Carter. Thank you for joining us today to share your harrowing experience. Can you start by telling us what happened on that fateful day?
Michael Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a day I’ll never forget.I was driving home with my two young children after a weekend getaway. We were on a quiet stretch of highway when, out of nowhere, a large truck appeared in the opposite lane and veered into our path. It all happened so fast—I barely had time to react. I swerved to avoid a head-on collision, but the truck clipped the side of our car, sending us spinning off the road and into a ditch.
Archyde News: That sounds absolutely terrifying. Were you or your children injured?
Michael Carter: miraculously, we were all okay, just shaken up. My car took the brunt of the impact—it was totaled. My kids were in the backseat, strapped into their car seats, which I believe saved their lives. I had a few bruises and a minor cut from the shattered glass, but we were fortunate to walk away with no serious injuries. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change in an instant.
Archyde news: It’s incredible that no one was seriously hurt. What went through your mind during those critical moments?
Michael Carter: Honestly, time seemed to slow down.My first thought was, “I have to protect my kids.” I remember gripping the steering wheel, trying to keep control of the car, and shouting for my kids to hold on. After the car stopped, there was this surreal moment of silence. Then, I heard my youngest crying, and all I could think was, “Thank God, they’re alive.” It was overwhelming—relief, fear, and gratitude all at once.
Archyde News: How have you and your family been coping since the accident?
Michael Carter: It’s been a process. The kids were scared to get back in a car for a while, and it took some time for all of us to feel safe on the road again. We’ve been talking about it as a family, and I’ve been trying to reassure them that we’re okay and that we’ll always do everything we can to stay safe.Personally, it’s made me more vigilant as a driver—I’m hyper-aware of my surroundings now.
Archyde News: What would you say to other parents or drivers who might find themselves in a similar situation?
Michael Carter: First,always buckle up and make sure your kids are in proper car seats. It sounds simple, but it truly saves lives. Second, stay calm—easier said than done, I know—but keeping a level head can help you make better decisions in a crisis. And don’t take life for granted. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and appreciate every moment.You never know what might happen.
Archyde News: Those are powerful words, Mr. Carter. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Michael Carter: Just to express my gratitude—to the first responders who arrived quickly, to the kind strangers who stopped to help, and to my family for being my strength during this time. I’m just thankful we’re here to tell the story. Life is precious, and I’m holding onto that reminder every day.
archyde news: Thank you, Michael, for your courage in sharing your experience. We wish you and your family continued healing and safety on the road.
This has been an interview with Michael Carter, a father who survived a near-death experience on the road. Stay tuned to Archyde for more inspiring stories and critically important news.
