Falling sign smashes car windscreen in Moss Vale

So when she and her husband returned to her BMW 125 Sport, parked on Argyle Street while they shopped, she was stunned to see the windscreen completely smashed.

An apologetic shop owner explained that the sign from the awning out the front had blown off and caused the damage.

Insurance will cover most of the repair, but Mrs Paske says the incident has drawn attention to a larger problem.

"The reason I'm concerned is that we were away from car for half an hour but could have been in there, or beside it, when it happened," she said.

"It could have hit us, or we could have been damaged by the glass.

"We're mourning the damage to the car, but my husband and I could have been mourning something much worse."

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She urged businesses to check their signage as the August winds continue.

"Businesses need to be aware of possible danger," Mrs Paske said.

"Some of the awnings on main streets around here look like they're ready to fall down.

"It really frightened me - it was a freak accident I suppose, but a bit of wake up call that these things happen and can have horrendous consequences."

When contacted for comment, Wingecarribee Shire Council said that signage attached to awnings are private property, so ultimately the responsibility is on the shop owner to maintain them.

"Our advice to anyone considering erecting signage is to first contact council on 4868 0888 to discuss their obligations," said a spokesperson.

"Any signage that may become loose in high winds should be removed and repaired immediately."

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