Turtle crashes through car windshield on I-4, survives

DELTONA, Fla. – It's one shell of a story!

[PHOTOS:  Turtle crashes through car windshield (App users can also click here to see images)]

A turtle crashed through the windshield of a car traveling on Interstate 4 in Volusia County -- and survived.

The freak accident happened Monday on I-4 west near Deltona, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Nicole Bjanes says she left her Daytona Beach home and was heading to Seminole County when the crazy collision happened.

"It's just not something you see everyday," Bjanes said.

According to troopers, a vehicle clipped the turtle, sending it into the air. The turtle then crashed through the windshield of another car, shattering its windshield and landing on the dashboard, the FHP said.

"You're questioning how does this happen? How does one get hit with a turtle?" Bjanes said.

Bjanes says glass went everywhere. There are still pieces all over her car.

"It's just a loud boom. I really can't describe it," she said.

Bjanes suffered minor cuts and was treated at the scene, according to the FHP.

The turtle survived the accident to swim another day. The FHP said the turtle was checked out by wildlife officers and released after being deemed OK.

"I noticed the legs were moving and everything, so I was really insistent on [the EMT] taking the turtle down to the water," Bjanes said.

She hopes her story will help drivers be more aware of animals along the interstate, especially with all of the construction.

"I believe this will probably be happening maybe more than not," Bjanes said. "Or maybe the wildlife is trying to find other habitats or homes because of all the construction."

Bjanes considers herself a safe driver. But she says after the turtle traffic trouble, she is going to avoid I-4 for a while.

"I'm just grateful that I'm okay, the turtle is okay, and no one was with me and I'm here to tell this story, this amazing, crazy story," she said.