Driving With a Cracked Windshield

Windshield damage is a common occurrence that's usually caused by flying rocks and other airborne debris. It's easy to ignore what seems like an insignificant cosmetic issue, and you might think that getting a ticket is the worst possible consequence of driving with a cracked windshield. Police and safety experts disagree. They know that the dangers of driving a vehicle with windshield damage are serious and even life-threatening.

Cracked Windshield Repair

Having a chip or crack repaired can safeguard you and your passengers from:

A loss of structural integrity in a front-end collision - When a windshield is intact, it helps transfer the force of a front-end impact down to the chassis. This lessens the effect felt inside the car and helps protect the passengers. If your car's windshield is cracked and it shatters during a collision, you and any other occupants are at greater risk of sustaining injuries.

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A greater likelihood of injury during a roll-over accident - An undamaged windshield adds vital structural support that can keep a car's roof from caving in if the vehicle flips over. A crack in the glass can weaken the windshield, and if it breaks and the roof is crushed, the occupants may be seriously injured.
An increased risk of ejection from an accident impact - If the occupants' seat belts aren't fastened when a collision takes place, the windshield can keep them from being forcefully thrown from the car. A windshield with a minor crack or chip that shatters on impact doesn't offer any protection.
Ineffective airbag deployment - In many cars, the windshield is an essential ingredient in the proper deployment of the passenger side airbag. When a collision triggers deployment, the windshield is the backstop that makes the airbag inflate toward the passenger. The force of an airbag deployment can shatter a cracked or chipped windshield. If that happens, the bag may inflate out through the opening, and the passenger won't have the protection of the bag or an intact windshield.

If you're driving with a cracked windshield, contact us today at Gerber Glass & Collision to schedule convenient mobile auto glass repair or replacement.

DISCLAIMER: This article is presented for informational purposes only and should not be seen as any kind of advice. The information provided herein or linked to via this article is 'as is' with no guarantee of accuracy or completeness. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.