A couple had a narrow escape when a scaffolding plank smashed through their car windscreen and shot between their seats.
Police say Howard Lewis and his girlfriend Emma Roberts are lucky to be alive after the near-miss on the A27 near Polegate.
The couple were travelling towards Eastbourne when a 4ft plank fell from a vehicle coming the other way.
It pierced the windscreen of their silver Rover 2000 and flew between their heads, landing in the back seat of the car.
The traumatised couple were taken to Eastbourne District Hospital, where they were treated for shock and cuts caused by flying splinters of glass.
PC Helen Donovan of Polegate traffic police said: "I don't know how the driver and passenger came away without serious injuries. They were very shaken and had cuts on their faces.
"They're very lucky - it could have been so much worse."
The couple were on a day trip to celebrate Mr Lewis' 27th birthday when the accident happened.
The other vehicle has not been traced. Witnesses should call Polegate traffic police on 0845 6070999.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article