A metro Atlanta driver is raising serious safety concerns after a frightening incident on Interstate 285 left his car with over $2,000 in damages . The driver, Brian Briggs, said he was left “devastated” after his vehicle struck two cemented metal prongs protruding from the highway .
The incident occurred earlier this month on I-285 westbound near Peachtree Industrial Boulevard . Briggs explained that he was attempting to pull onto the shoulder of the highway when he hit the prongs. The impact was immediate and severe—he heard and felt a loud “pop pop” as the prongs destroyed both the front and rear driver-side tires on his BMW i3 .
“When I got out and looked, I was really devastated by what I saw,” Briggs told reporters . The damage from the unexpected road hazard cost him more than $2,000 to repair, putting a significant financial strain on the driver .
Investigative reporters later visited the scene and confirmed the presence of the hazardous prongs sticking out of the roadway . According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the prongs were remnants of a permanent exit sign that had been installed in May but was struck by another vehicle. While the damaged sign was removed, the cemented prongs that held it in place were inexplicably left behind—creating a dangerous obstacle for unsuspecting drivers .
When Briggs sought reimbursement for his damages, he was told by a GDOT representative that they do not handle claims against the state. Instead, he was directed to the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) . Fortunately, a representative from the state did contact Briggs and is reportedly working to resolve the issue .
The hazardous location was finally fixed on September 23rd, ensuring no other motorists would face the same danger . However, Briggs remains concerned about the lack of safety measures, stating, “I don’t want it to be a tragedy” .
