Police warn teenagers about throwing ice at motorists

Dec 16 2010 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

ice

TEENAGE yobs are putting motorists’ lives at risk by throwing lumps of ice off bridges onto cars underneath, police war-ned this week.

One woman had a narrow escape in Livingston when her windshield was smashed after mindless youngsters threw a block of ice at her.

Frances Mullen said she was lucky not to have been killed as the ice slammed into her car when she drove along the A99 in Livingston on Monday.

Police officers are so concerned about the behaviour that they have issued a warning to teenagers that they will be dealt with severely.

Bus driver Frances (39), from West Inch near Bathgate, said she couldn’t believe that the teenagers would do something so stupid.

She told the Courier: “I couldn’t sleep when I got home and it took me ages to stop shaking.

“I think they had thrown the ice and it had landed on a lorry in front before it hit my windscreen.

“I’ve never had such a fright in my life.

“I’m so lucky as it could have been so much worse. With this icy weather I could easily have slipped and skidded and caused a pile-up, killing myself and others.”

Frances continued: “I want other drivers to be aware and stay vigilant and also parents to be aware what their children are doing.”

Inspector Stephen Elliot, manager of the West Lothian Community Safety Unit, said throwing any object at a person or a moving vehicle was incredibly dangerous – and throwing ice even more so.

“Conditions outside are still hazardous in some areas and the stupidity of a small group of people could have serious consequences for public safety,” he said.

“Our colleagues at West Lothian Council continue to clear roads and pavements and these actions may hamper their efforts and put lives at risk.

“Anyone found to be throwing ice or behaving in a manner that places them or others in danger will be robustly dealt with.”

Frank Anderson, executive councillor for services for the community, added: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will support the police in tackling the issue.

“I would appeal to those individuals throwing ice to think about the damage they would cause if a vehicle, pedestrian or one of their friends were struck by a chunk of ice.

“If a bus or car were struck by a piece of ice, it could be catastrophic if a driver had to swerve or lost control.

“Potentially, someone on the receiving end of this reckless behaviour could be seriously injured and those responsible would be held accountable. It is simply not worth it.”