You have definitely heard that driving with a cracked or damaged windshield is extremely dangerous. But has anyone actually explained to you why? Indeed, what is so terrible that can happen because of a small crack? Especially if you are driving a modern vehicle with a windshield designed to withstand an impact and shatter into tiny pieces right away.
In fact, driving with a damaged windshield is one of the most dangerous situations you can put yourself into on the road. Most accidents worldwide happen because of poor visibility, distraction, blind spots, and other factors caused by damage to a windshield.
In this article, we shall speak about the 10 most dangerous and, unfortunately, probable scenarios that may happen if you continue driving with a cracked windshield instead of addressing the auto glass shop right away.
Poor Visibility.
Excellent visibility is one of the keys to safe and comfortable driving. Most accidents that happen during heavy rains and snow blizzards are caused by poor visibility rather than slippery roads and other hazards.
Any kind of crack, scratch, or other damage on your windshield will inevitably decrease visibility and lead to the fact that you will fail to notice a hazard on time, or vice versa may think that you see another object on the road when it is not actually there.
Distraction.
Remember how if you hurt a finger, it seems that you start using that arm much more often, increasing the pain? People tend to notice and constantly get distracted by any kind of irregularity.
Even if you don`t realize it right away, your eye will constantly get “caught” by that annoying crack or stain on your windshield. And eventually, you risk missing something important, failing to notice a hazard, or making another costly or even tragic mistake on the road.
Structural Instability.
Did you know that about 60% of the structural stability of your vehicle depends on the condition of your windshield? In case of collision or even a rollover, your windshield protects you and your vehicle from being crushed entirely. Of course, it will only work if the auto glass of your car is well-maintained.
Higher risk of ejection and trauma.
In case of a serious accident, your windshield will protect you from flying through the front window and getting severe or even lethal injuries. Vice versa, a damaged windshield will not only fail to protect you and your passengers but may become an additional damaging element that will worsen the trauma.
Inefficient airbags
A windshield is an essential part of a proper airbag deployment process. If it is damaged, the airbag will not be able to press correctly against the glass and will be much less efficient in case of impact or may even cause additional injuries.
Worse protection on the road
A windshield is called like that on purpose. It is literally your shield against the wind as well as elements, dust and pebbles, insects and bird droppings, and many other things that would fly directly into your face if your car did not have a windshield. Unfortunately, a damaged windshield cannot protect you thoroughly.
Glass Shattering
Yes, modern auto glass is produced with a special layer of laminate placed between its top and bottom layers. And therefore, it is highly unlikely that a windshield on a modern car will suddenly shatter after an impact. However, one small crack may easily grow into a spider web of cracks that will make it impossible to drive safely.
And, of course, if you are driving an older vintage vehicle with original auto glass, the risk of shattering is extremely high.
It can and will get worse.
No small and minor crack will stay small and minor forever. Those cracks on auto glass tend to grow and worsen with time due to vibration on the go, temperature changes, the impact of elements, UV light, etc. One way or another, you will have to deal with the damage on your windshield anyway, but the longer you postpone the treatment, the more complicated it may get.
It is illegal to drive with a damaged windshield.
A crack that may seem small and insignificant is actually a violation of Canada`s general motor vehicle safety regulations, which may lead to a fine of about 85 CAD. Even if the officer eventually decides that the crack is indeed minor and will release you with a warning, any kind of windshield damage will definitely drive more officials` attention to you and your vehicle on the road.
The longer you wait, the more it will cost you.
A small chip or scratch will become a crack one day, and that crack will only grow with time leading to more and more severe damage. Eventually, you may have to replace the windshield entirely or pay some extras if the damage affects the ADAS of your vehicle and affect the proper work of some crucial parts or detectors. The sooner you address an auto glass shop, the less time and money you will have to invest in repairs.
Want to make sure your car`s windshield, mirrors, and other auto glass are perfectly maintained, examined, and fixed on time? Contact Auto Glass Depot today! Here you will find a team of professionals qualified for all sorts of windshield repairs and replacements. They guarantee using OEM parts and provide mobile service across the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area for your comfort and safety.