A Port Clinton woman was hospitalised with head injuries after a crash demolished her car on November 10.

Tamara Anderson, 46, attempted to pass a northbound John Deere forklift with 5-foot forks in a no-passing zone, the News-Herald reported.

The forklift slowed to less than 5mph and began to turn left, but failed to signal the turn. Anderson's car, travelling at 55mph, collided with the forks, which were elevated three feet.

The forks stripped most of the top off Anderson's 2003 Honda Accord, destroying the vehicle and littering the road with parts, including the passenger seat headrest.

"She's lucky to be alive," police said. "If she had had a passenger, they'd be dead."