Safety Risks With a Cracked Windshield

Often a small rock or piece of debris hits your windshield causing it to crack. Operating a vehicle with a cracked windshield puts both you and others in potential danger. Before you drive any further, you should have it replaced.

• A cracked windshield can create a hazard while driving. If the crack falls within your line of sight, you may have trouble seeing dangers in the road ahead. This could make you more vulnerable to creating an accident or swerving off the highway.


• Having a crack in your windshield can be very distracting. If you are more focused on the crack than the road, this could lead to an accident as well.


• In the event of an accident, the windshield is designed to protect the occupants in a vehicle. If it has received damage, such as a large crack, it is weakened and less likely to withstand impact. The windshield helps stabilize the roof of the vehicle. If your windshield has damage and you are involved in an accident, the roof is more likely to collapse, causing injury to those inside the vehicle.


• If your vehicle is equipped with airbags and they are deployed in an accident a cracked windshield can cause the force to not be distributed properly. The windshield and airbags work together in the event of an accident, but having a cracked windshield can leave your airbag less effective. Windshields are designed to keep the passengers inside the vehicle. In you are in an accident and have a cracked windshield; you are more likely to be ejected.

Driving with a cracked windshield poses a danger to you, the occupants of your vehicle and those around you. If your windshield has been cracked or damaged it is important to have it fixed by a professional as soon as possible.