3 Bad Things That Could Happen When You Drive With A Damaged Windshield
ShareVehicle maintenance and repair can become costly over time. Drivers have a tendency to put off any repairs that don't directly interfere with their vehicle's mechanical function. One such repair is the replacement of a damaged windshield.
While it might not seem like a big deal to continue driving with a damaged windshield, there are some bad things that can happen if you drive your vehicle without replacing a cracked or chipped windshield.
1. You Could Get Into an Accident
Your windshield affords you visual contact with the roadway. When a windshield is intact, your view of the road conditions and traffic is clear. A damaged windshield could become a serious safety liability by temporarily blinding you.
Light will refract when it hits your auto glass. Cracks or chips can cause this refraction to become distorted, shining blinding sunlight directly into your eyes.
It only takes a moment to be involved in an auto accident, and the temporary blindness you could experience when driving with a damaged windshield increases the potential for a collision.
2. You Could Sustain an Injury
Even if a damaged windshield doesn't cause an auto accident, damaged auto glass can increase your risk of sustaining an injury during a collision.
The windshield plays an important role in maintaining the safety of your passengers upon impact. It is the windshield that helps to position airbags correctly so that they offer maximum protection.
The windshield is also responsible for reducing the risk of an injury during a rollover. Professionals state that up to 60% of the structural integrity of a vehicle's cabin during a rollover can be attributed to the windshield.
A cracked or chipped windshield is not structurally sound. This means that your damaged windshield will not be able to offer you adequate protection against injury in the event of an accident.
3. You Could Receive a Ticket
No driver wants to be pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Driving with a damaged windshield could lead to a ticket in some states.
Police agencies recognize the dangers that are associated with cracked or chipped windshields. A ticket can be issued for driving with a damaged windshield — especially when the damaged area is within your direct line of sight.
If you do get pulled over by the police, you will have to pay for both a new windshield and any penalties or fees associated with the ticket.
If you have a damaged or cracked windshield, you should seek out auto glass replacement services.