You may not know exactly what cracked your windshield, but you should know that it’s dangerous. Police may stop you and give you a citation — a cracked windshield threatens your safety and the safety of other motorists.
“It’s just a small crack,” you’re probably thinking. “How could it possibly put me in danger? Is it really going to cause an accident?”
The short answer is yes — a cracked windshield can most assuredly contribute to distracted driving and it can definitely cause an accident.
Distracted Driving Statistics
When you hear the phrase “distracted driving,” you probably think of a cell phone. Texting and driving is a prohibited, dangerous. According to a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. Reaction times are slowed by 35 percent when reading or typing text messages, but drunk drivers’ reaction time only slowed by 12 percent.
While everyone can agree that texting and driving is one of the more dangerous activities that can lead to distracted driving, motorists face many other hazards.
It can be easy to overestimate your driving abilities; after all, you spend a considerable amount of time on the roadway. But all it takes is one small windshield crack that’s positioned right in your line of sight, obstructing your view, for an accident to become a reality. Whether or not you are aware, a cracked windshield draws your eye and takes your attention from the road. It also can reflect sunlight and cause a glare.
Cracks Can Do More Than Distract You
If you get into an accident, a cracked windshield puts the structural integrity of your car at risk, increasing the chances of a serious or fatal injury. Windshields help support the roof. When that support is compromised, the vehicle’s roof is at a higher risk of collapse upon impact. Even if the cracked windshield didn’t cause an accident, it can make accidents more deadly.
When Is it Time to Call an Auto Glass Repair Team?
Anytime you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, no matter the location or the size, call an auto glass repair specialist right away. If the crack is in front of the driver’s seat, it’s even more imperative that you get it fixed or have the windshield replaced right away.
Not all windshield damage warrants a replacement. Call Glasshopper Auto Glass and get professional repair for your cracked windshield.