Window down, world upside down: This woman got into an accident over something so simple! What happened?
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Content warning: This article contains graphic photos, including visible blood and injury, which may be distressing to some readers. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
It was a typical Sunday morning on the Sunshine Coast for Aleisha Balfoort, a 31-year-old mother, as she drove along the motorway, obeying the speed limit and minding her own business. But in a split second, her sense of safety was shattered in a way she never could have imagined.
Aleisha’s ordeal began when a black Nissan Navara started tailgating her, the driver clearly agitated that Aleisha was sticking to the speed limit. We’ve all been there—someone in a hurry, riding your bumper, making you feel uneasy. But what happened next was anything but typical.
The other driver, a woman, pulled up alongside Aleisha and began shouting. Wanting to understand what was being said, Aleisha rolled down her window—a decision she would soon regret. Without warning, the woman hurled a portable power bank through the open window, striking Aleisha in the jaw.
'Bam... a power bank came flying through my window and cracked me in the jaw,' Aleisha recounted. The impact left her bleeding and in shock.
She managed to drive herself to the hospital, where doctors stitched up her wound. After receiving medical attention, she reported the incident to the police.
The physical pain was only the beginning. Aleisha shared that the attack has left her deeply shaken and fearful of venturing outside. 'I’m honestly not recovering well… and currently [I’m] afraid to drive or even leave my house and face [the] public,' she admitted. The injury has made it difficult for her to eat, talk, and sleep—everyday activities most of us take for granted.
Aleisha’s story quickly spread through her local community after she posted about the incident on social media, sharing photos of her injuries and the alleged perpetrator’s registration details.
The response was swift and supportive, with locals expressing outrage and concern. 'I hope you’re doing okay—this is absolutely disgusting (and) I hope they get whoever did this,' one community member wrote. Another added, 'What is becoming of our beautiful Sunshine Coast? (I) hope you heal well and I hope you press charges.'
In a heartwarming gesture, a local skincare clinic offered Aleisha free LED light therapy to help her skin heal from the cut. For Aleisha, who has struggled with acne and scarring in the past, this act of kindness meant a great deal.
'I feel bad as I know it’s superficial, but I went through so much trauma from acne and scarring from my pregnancies,' she shared. 'I’ve spent years and countless dollars to try and reverse and regain my confidence, only to have it so easily and quickly taken away again.'
Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward. 'Information received alleged an item was thrown through the victim’s open window, hitting her in the face, causing minor injuries,' a police spokesperson said.
Aleisha’s experience is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous. Road rage incidents are on the rise across Australia, with many drivers reporting increased aggression and impatience on our roads. While most of us have encountered rude gestures or angry honks, physical violence is a frightening escalation.
Experts say that road rage can be triggered by a variety of factors—stress, running late, or simply a bad day. But no matter the reason, there’s never an excuse for violence. If you find yourself the target of aggressive driving, it’s best to avoid engaging. Keep your windows up, doors locked, and if you feel threatened, drive to a public place or contact the police.
One of the silver linings in Aleisha’s story is the outpouring of support from her community. In times of crisis, knowing that others care can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a kind word, a practical offer of help, or simply listening, we all have the power to support those who’ve been through traumatic experiences.
Also read: Adelaide fashion entrepreneur dies after using magic mushrooms as alternative treatment
Sadly, Aleisha’s story isn’t unique. Many Australians have their own tales of close calls or frightening encounters on the road. Have you ever been the victim of road rage, or witnessed an incident that left you shaken? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
It was a typical Sunday morning on the Sunshine Coast for Aleisha Balfoort, a 31-year-old mother, as she drove along the motorway, obeying the speed limit and minding her own business. But in a split second, her sense of safety was shattered in a way she never could have imagined.
Aleisha’s ordeal began when a black Nissan Navara started tailgating her, the driver clearly agitated that Aleisha was sticking to the speed limit. We’ve all been there—someone in a hurry, riding your bumper, making you feel uneasy. But what happened next was anything but typical.
The other driver, a woman, pulled up alongside Aleisha and began shouting. Wanting to understand what was being said, Aleisha rolled down her window—a decision she would soon regret. Without warning, the woman hurled a portable power bank through the open window, striking Aleisha in the jaw.
'Bam... a power bank came flying through my window and cracked me in the jaw,' Aleisha recounted. The impact left her bleeding and in shock.
A Sunshine Coast mum, Aleisha Balfoort, was left injured and traumatised after another driver allegedly threw a power bank through her open window during a road rage incident while she was doing the speed limit. Image source: Aleisha Balfoort / Facebook.
She managed to drive herself to the hospital, where doctors stitched up her wound. After receiving medical attention, she reported the incident to the police.
The physical pain was only the beginning. Aleisha shared that the attack has left her deeply shaken and fearful of venturing outside. 'I’m honestly not recovering well… and currently [I’m] afraid to drive or even leave my house and face [the] public,' she admitted. The injury has made it difficult for her to eat, talk, and sleep—everyday activities most of us take for granted.
Aleisha’s story quickly spread through her local community after she posted about the incident on social media, sharing photos of her injuries and the alleged perpetrator’s registration details.
The response was swift and supportive, with locals expressing outrage and concern. 'I hope you’re doing okay—this is absolutely disgusting (and) I hope they get whoever did this,' one community member wrote. Another added, 'What is becoming of our beautiful Sunshine Coast? (I) hope you heal well and I hope you press charges.'
In a heartwarming gesture, a local skincare clinic offered Aleisha free LED light therapy to help her skin heal from the cut. For Aleisha, who has struggled with acne and scarring in the past, this act of kindness meant a great deal.
The unprovoked attack left Aleisha with a stitched wound on her chin, making it difficult for her to eat, talk, and sleep, and she now feels too afraid to leave her house or drive. Image source: Aleisha Balfoort / Unsplash.
'I feel bad as I know it’s superficial, but I went through so much trauma from acne and scarring from my pregnancies,' she shared. 'I’ve spent years and countless dollars to try and reverse and regain my confidence, only to have it so easily and quickly taken away again.'
Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward. 'Information received alleged an item was thrown through the victim’s open window, hitting her in the face, causing minor injuries,' a police spokesperson said.
Aleisha’s experience is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous. Road rage incidents are on the rise across Australia, with many drivers reporting increased aggression and impatience on our roads. While most of us have encountered rude gestures or angry honks, physical violence is a frightening escalation.
Experts say that road rage can be triggered by a variety of factors—stress, running late, or simply a bad day. But no matter the reason, there’s never an excuse for violence. If you find yourself the target of aggressive driving, it’s best to avoid engaging. Keep your windows up, doors locked, and if you feel threatened, drive to a public place or contact the police.
One of the silver linings in Aleisha’s story is the outpouring of support from her community. In times of crisis, knowing that others care can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a kind word, a practical offer of help, or simply listening, we all have the power to support those who’ve been through traumatic experiences.
Also read: Adelaide fashion entrepreneur dies after using magic mushrooms as alternative treatment
Sadly, Aleisha’s story isn’t unique. Many Australians have their own tales of close calls or frightening encounters on the road. Have you ever been the victim of road rage, or witnessed an incident that left you shaken? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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