A British driver has completely crumpled the front of his car by colliding head-on into a street sign – after he spotted a spider inside his vehicle.
In his attempt to battle the arachnid, he lost control of the car and ploughed into the street sign.
Luckily, the driver escaped the crash with minor injuries.
Local police from the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England were more amused than anything else, posting pictures of the crash to social media and warning citizens of roadside distractions.
“Our ARV/colleagues have had a busy afternoon … This driver was trying to remove a spider from his vehicle at the time of this incident,” the police statement read.
The police posted two spider emojis and added: “We are glad to say the driver only has minor injuries from this incident.
“But as always please keep your eyes on the road as there are lots of distractions around at this time of year.”
Social media users were in two minds about the driver’s response. Some thought it was an over-reaction while others admitted that all bets were off if they themselves found a spider hiding in their car.
“Well that should teach you to keep your eyes on the road,” one person said. “You could if (sic) killed someone.”
An Aussie commenter pointed out since the event occurred in England, it wasn’t as if the spider was particularly dangerous.
“Happens all the time in Australia … huge huntsman spiders love hiding under the dashboard in amongst the wiring … then drop onto your lap and then …” he wrote.
But others said they would have done the same.
“I do not feel this is an over-reaction,” said one woman on Facebook. “I am all for hermetically sealed cars … I flyspray the car just in case.”
“I‘m afraid I’d probably still be screamingGet it out,’ even after I’d crashed; absolutely terrified of spiders,” said another.
“TBH I would have been tempted to torch the car as well just to make sure the bugger was finished for good. Hope this doesn’t count as conspiracy to arson … asking for a friend,” a man commented.
Others were amazed at the driver’s ability to crash perfectly between the lines.
“I think even if I aimed for the post I wouldn’t be able to hit it dead centre of the car like that. Joking aside, glad all involved are OK,” said one man.
“10/10 for hitting it bang in the middle of the badge! That is running out of talent at its finest! Great effort!” said another.