A McAllen man is warning drivers after a metal rod pierced through his windshield on the expressway near La Feria.

John Montemayor says he is lucky to be alive. The 5-foot metal rod came within inches of his face.

"Next thing you know, I feel the rod probably a few inches away from my face and neck area. I was actually driving 60 [miles per hour] and I felt the rod was hot," Montemayor said.

Montemayor says the rod was hit by two other drivers before it broke through his windshield. He managed to pull over safely and walked away with only small cuts on his face from broken glass.

He says the whole thing happened so fast it felt unreal at first.

Montemayor brought the metal rod with him when he spoke with Channel 5 News. He does not know whether it fell from a vehicle or was already lying in the road.

"It's sad that people are not securing their items, which can cause devastation and tragedy to somebody else without ever knowing," Montemayor said.

The Texas Department of Transportation says the situation shows how dangerous unsecured loads can be.

"We remind folks, just like in John's case, that an unsecured item could become a flying projectile and could potentially seriously injure or even kill someone," TxDOT spokesperson Ray Pedraza said.

TxDOT says all drivers should properly secure items they are hauling. Commercial vehicles are required to cover loads with a tarp, and larger items should be strapped down with ropes or bungee cords.

Drivers who do not secure a load can face fines. Pedraza said the penalties go up if someone gets hurt.

"They could be fined up to $500, and if those unsecured items fall and seriously injure or cause property damage to another vehicle, you could be fined up to $2,000," Pedraza said.

Montemayor says he believes he survived for a reason.

"I truly believe that yesterday's episode was exactly the grace of God that had control. We are not in control. He is. It's a reminder that we have to be true in our grace," Montemayor said.

Montemayor filed a police report and says he plans to turn the metal rod into a cross. TxDOT says if drivers spot debris on the road, they should pull over and call police so it can be removed.

Watch the video above for the full story.