What Are the Dangers of Driving With a Cracked Windshield?

Cracked windshields are illegal just about everywhere in the United States, although the exact regulations vary by state. Your windshield protects you and lets you see while driving. Cracks affect the windshield's integrity and impair your visual field, depending on their location. Windshield cracks pose a danger and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent worse issues later. Even a small chip will worsen from vibration or environmental temperature variances.

Visual Impairment

A cracked windshield may block part of your view while you drive, especially if it is on the driver's side of the car. Cracks on the passenger side also cause problems as you scan your visual field for pedestrians, cars and other potential hazards. A small chip or crack may not seem problematic, but it can spread unexpectedly at any time if you never get it fixed. You could be driving and suddenly be confronted with an expanded crack right in the way of your view.

Support Structure

In some vehicles, the windshield also serves as an important part of the vehicle's support structure. In these cases, windshield damage can compromise structural integrity. Your roof might cave in if you get in a bad wreck with a damaged windshield. For example, auto glass repairer Dale Dues told Fox 16 News that accident impact goes through the cab on certain Ford trucks, making windshield cracks especially dangerous.

Airbags

Front airbags go off with a lot of force and often expand up toward the windshield. The airbag can send dangerous glass shards flying through the air if it hits a cracked windshield that does not have the integrity to stay solid or shatter safely. Both the driver and passenger can be seriously cut by the resulting glass breakage.

Finances

Your finances are in danger if you drive with a cracked windshield, since this damage is illegal just about everywhere. Some states only penalize you if you have a chip or crack of a certain size in your windshield, while others are more strict and slap you with a fine for even minor damage. Some base their assessment on the position of the damage. Check your state's laws if you notice a chip or crack in your windshield to see if you can drive legally. Get the damage repaired as soon as possible, even if it falls within legal guidelines, as it might expand and become illegal.

Considerations

Many car insurance companies cover windshield repair with no deductible. Prompt repair of this damage prevents a worse crack and eliminates the dangers associated with windshield damage. Have chips and cracks repaired promptly, whether or not you have such coverage. Professional repairs are fast and inexpensive because most chips are repairable by injecting a polymer resin into the cavity. This stabilizes the glass and stops further damage. Do-it-yourself kits are also available.