Kirmac Collision & Autoglass is your expert auto body shop providing collision and auto glass repair in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Our team is committed to offering high quality repairs and exceptional service. We want to help ensure your vehicle is in the safest condition— that’s why we want to tell you about the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield.
Can You Ignore a Cracked Windshield?
Collisions are all too common these days, and while distracted driving and speeding are the leading causes of accidents, a cracked windshield can be equally dangerous. That’s why it’s important to not ignore windshield damage since exposure to the elements causes more pressure—even small cracks will get worse over time. The bottom line is any damage to your windshield is unsafe, but the larger the crack the more danger to your safety—we’ll examine some of the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield.
Collision Protection and Vehicle Stability
Your windshield protects your vehicle during collisions—an in-tact windshield helps maintain structural stability up to 45% in front-end collisions, and up to 60% in rollover crashes. Accidents happen, so it’s better to consider windshield repair than risking your safety of you and your passengers.
Ejection During Collisions
Everyone knows the importance of seat belts in the event of a crash, but your windshield also provides life-saving benefits. Windshields decrease your risk of ejection during a collision, helping to keep you inside the car. Windshields are designed to hold shattered glass together even if the windshield shatters, but that’s only true for undamaged windshields. A cracked windshield therefore has an increased risk of shatter or collapse, also increasing your risk of ejection during collision and greater increase of injury from flying shards of glass.
Airbag Deployment Issues
Windshields also help your passenger-side airbags function properly, inflating towards the passenger during a collision. The force of airbag deployment can shatter a windshield with any existing crack or chip, causing the airbag to not inflate correctly.
Decreased Visibility
Your cracked windshield can also become a major distraction while driving, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions. Cracks can distract you from the road, obstruct your view, and reflect more sunlight increasing the glare while driving.
Violating the Law
There are also laws surrounding cracked windshields—depending on where you live, driving with a cracked windshield may be illegal. Laws may vary according to the severity or size of damage, but these laws exist to protect drivers and keep roads safe. It’s clear that driving with a cracked windshield can be very dangerous, so it’s best to consider windshield repair sooner than later. Avoid more expensive collision repairs or tickets for safety violations, and save yourself some money in the long run.
Repair Your Windshield At Kirmac Today!!
Kirmac Collision & Autoglass is here to help with your collision and auto glass repair needs. Our team of expert technicians is here to answer any questions, and find you the best windshield replacement for your vehicle. You can schedule an appointment or request an estimate online. We’re excited to get started with your vehicle repairs today!
