Never Drive with a Broken Windshield: Stay Safe!

Driving with a broken windshield may not seem dangerous at first. Some people may not even consider it as a big deal. However, even a tiny chip or crack will get bigger over time, posing serious safety issues and legal consequences.

Here’s why you should not drive your car if its windshield is cracked or chipped:

The Dangers of Driving with a Cracked Windshield

It Compromises Your Safety

Obviously, you can still drive your car even with a broken windshield. But, is it safe? No. Driving with a broken windshield makes your car more susceptible to accidents. If the chip or crack impairs your view, you cannot fully put your attention on the road. Blinding glare is also more likely to happen, since cracks have a tendency to reflect more sunlight.

Windshields are designed to keep the passengers safe during an impact. They are composed of two layers of glass laminated together. If your windshield has a crack or chip, it will not be able to perform its purpose and cause serious safety hazards during an impact.

So what happens when you drive with a broken windshield:

• Compromises Car’s Structural Stability – Windshields have significant contribution to the structural stability of your car. They keep the roof from crushing in on you during a rollover.

• Higher Risk of Ejection During Impact – Windshields reduce the risk of ejection during a collision. This means they prevent you and other passengers from being ejected during a serious collision.

• Incorrect Deployment of Airbags – Windshield allows airbags to deploy in the correct position. If airbags deploy incorrectly, passengers won’t get any level of protection.

With these safety hazards that come with driving with a broken windshield, you should think twice before doing it. Your best solution is to have your windshield repaired or replaced immediately.

It Might Be Illegal Where You Live

Depending on where you are, it might be illegal to drive with a broken windshield. All states have different laws when it comes to this, so make sure that you are aware of your local laws before you drive with a damaged windshield.

Some states that have specific laws regarding the drivability of vehicles with damaged windshields are Arizona and Florida. For these two states, you cannot drive your car if:

• A crack intersects with one or more other cracks

• The damage is bigger than ¾-inch in diameter

• Damages are within three inches of each other

• The damage are in the area between the top of the steering wheel

• The damage are within within two inches of the top edge of the windshield

If you want to know what the regulations are in your state or city, check your local laws. That way, you can prevent yourself from getting a ticket. Or better yet, just get in touch with an auto glass repair and replacement company in your area.

Safety Matters: Don’t Drive With a Broken Windshield

Needless to say, avoid driving your car if it has a cracked or chipped windshield. As a responsible driver, safety must always come first. I am sure you don’t want to put yourself and your family in danger, right?

The best solution you have is to call a windshield replacement and repair company immediately and have your car serviced. Windshield replacement or repair may not be inexpensive. But believe us, it is better to pay for a new windshield than pay hospital bills or driving tickets.