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Is a small crack in the windshield really dangerous?

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2022 | Personal Injury Law

For a vehicle to function safely, it needs all of its components to be working as they should. Even with brand new vehicles, things are bound to go wrong at some point.

Cracked windshields are sometimes viewed as minor defects, but is this really the case? The answer is no, and here’s why;

Decreased visibility

While you need to be aware of all angles, you drive in a forward direction which makes the windshield your most important viewing point. While driving, you need to be aware of your surroundings, and this includes things that are approaching from a distance. Through the windshield, distant objects will appear smaller, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. A crack in the windshield could impair your vision of a hazard that’s approaching from a distance, meaning that you get into a collision.

The crack will only get worse

A crack in the windshield isn’t going to repair itself. In fact, it’s only going to get worse. The greater the blemish in the windshield, the more obstructed your vision will be. This is also an issue in terms of the structural integrity of the windshield, and vehicle in general. It comes as a surprise to many that the windshield provides up to 40% of the strength in the roof of the car. Thus, not only is there a danger of the windshield shattering, but the car will be compromised further in the event of an accident.

Ensuring that your windshield is in pristine condition can improve your safety on multiple levels. Sadly, not everyone has a safety-conscious approach and if you have been injured by a negligent driver, make sure you look into your legal options.