I got a crack in my windshield, is it safe to drive?
It’s happened to most drivers. You’re driving down the highway when an airborne rock missile strikes your windshield, leaving a dreaded crack across your line of sight. While many people attempt to drive with the crack or chip blocking their view, they may be unaware of the potential hazards associated with driving with the obstruction.
Impaired Vision
Depending on the location of the crack, the driver may not be able to see clearly. Also, a crack in the windshield can cause a distorted image in the glass. When driving, the operator of the vehicle should have access to the entire windshield in order to see their full surroundings. Window damage can cause a blind spot in the driver’s visual field. Since the driver’s reaction time is critical when operating a vehicle, having a blind spot can result in an accident.
Structural Weakness
Windshields are designed to stabilize the car’s roof by fitting tightly into place. When cracked, it can actually compromise the integrity of the structure of the car. Both the rear window and the windshield are vital to the car’s safety equipment. A cracked windshield is more likely to buckle under the stress of the vehicle if it is involved in an accident. This may result in the weight of the car crashing, causing the roof to cave in on the driver’s side.
Airbags
When airbags deploy, the force of the airbags may expand up toward the windshield. If the airbag hits a damaged windshield, it may send dangerous shards of glass flying within the vehicle. Most windshields have a shatter protection mechanism; however, when they have a crack or chip, this mechanism can fail to work. The driver and all of the passengers within the vehicle may be seriously injured by the flying glass.
Restraint
Although seat belts are primarily the most important restraint device in a vehicle, when involved in a horrible accident, the windshield can also act as a restraint device. A damaged windshield may not hold up under pressure and allow the driver to be ejected out of the vehicle. Having a structurally sound windshield may save your life, as well as the lives of your passengers.
What should you do?
As soon as you notice an unpleasant chip or crack in your windshield, you should have it repaired immediately. Chips are often easier and more affordable to repair than cracks, so catching it quickly may save you some money. The cost of a car windshield repair is often covered by your insurance policy. Check with your insurance company to find out if you have a deductible on windshield repairs.
Make sure that you have your windshield repaired by a professional. Proper installation will ensure that your windshield will keep you and your passengers safe. Not to mention that it simply looks better to have a brand new windshield, and not one that is chipped or cracked.
Next time your car is pelted with flying debris from the road, don’t lose your cool. Simply take it to a professional auto body shop to have it replaced or repaired. Being able to see all of your surroundings will ensure that you are driving safe while on the road.
The post I Have A Crack In My Windshield, Is It Safe To Drive? appeared first on Grand Sport Auto Body.
Source: http://www.grandsportautobody.com/blog/i-got-a-crack-in-my-windshield-is-it-safe-to-driv/
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