Driver Narrowly avoids Cow after it Jumps Barrier and enters oncoming traffic on busy motorway
A morning commute on a busy Irish motorway nearly turned disastrous after a cow leapt across the median and into oncoming traffic, narrowly missing a passing driver who later described the moment as surreal.
The incident unfolded early Tuesday on the M6 near Rochfortbridge in County Westmeath, after a separate crash involving a livestock trailer caused animals to escape onto the roadway. One of those animals came dangerously close to causing another serious collision.
Motorist Ciarán Flynn captured the near miss on dashcam footage, which he later shared on social media. The video shows a cow suddenly appearing in the fast lane, jumping the median barrier and landing directly in the path of the vehicle. Flynn swerved at the last possible second, avoiding impact by what appears to be just feet.
Reflecting on the incident, Flynn said he felt “blessed” to have avoided the animal, noting that the outcome could have been far worse at motorway speeds.
Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the initial crash, which occurred around 7:15 a.m. at M6 Junction 3. According to a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána, the Irish national police force, the collision involved three vehicles, including a car that struck a livestock trailer.
As a result of the collision, several animals were released onto the motorway, creating a hazardous situation for drivers during the busy morning rush. Authorities temporarily closed the road to allow emergency crews to secure the area and remove the livestock safely.
Police confirmed that no animals were reported injured during the incident, a detail that provided some relief amid the chaos. However, one driver involved in the initial crash was transported by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore for treatment. Officials said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The near miss has sparked renewed attention on the dangers posed by livestock transport accidents, particularly on high-speed roadways. Even a brief lapse in control or containment can quickly escalate into a life-threatening scenario for both motorists and animals.
Dashcam footage of the incident spread rapidly online, with many viewers expressing disbelief at how close the encounter came to ending in tragedy. Others praised Flynn’s quick reaction, noting that a split-second delay could have had devastating consequences.
Authorities have urged drivers to remain alert at all times, especially in rural areas where agricultural vehicles and livestock trailers frequently share major roads. While incidents involving loose animals are rare on motorways, officials stress that vigilance is critical when unexpected hazards arise.
For Flynn, the experience served as a stark reminder of how unpredictable the road can be. “You just don’t expect something like that on a motorway,” he said in a social media post accompanying the footage. “I’m just grateful everyone walked away.”
The road has since reopened, and no further disruptions were reported.