Road safety is a crucial aspect of being a responsible driver. You must follow traffic rules as well as ensure that your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road. So, is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield? If so, in which situations is it generally ok to try?
It’s unsafe to drive with a cracked windshield, which is considered a major defect in many countries. Windshield cracks cause poor visibility and compromise structural integrity. You could face penalties or a driving suspension if caught driving with one. Only risk doing it in emergencies when there’s no other option.
This post will comprehensively answer whether or not you can drive with a cracked windshield. It will also provide guidelines on handling this issue if it occurs and what you can do to prevent such situations in the future.
The Impact of Cracked Windshields on Road Safety
Small cracks can quickly spread, compromising the integrity of the entire windshield. What began as a minor issue could escalate into something catastrophic while you’re on the road, compromising your safety and everyone else in your car.
Did you know that the windshield is necessary for your survival while inside your car as it provides up to 45% of your vehicle’s structural integrity? Structural integrity is pivotal during a rollover accident because it keeps the roof from crushing in on you.
Losing up to 45% of your vehicle’s structural integrity means more mangling during an accident and a higher probability of severe injury. The larger the windshield crack is during a crash or rollover, the more substantial the damage is likely to be.
A cracked windshield also distorts your vision on the road, making it hard to see obstacles or other vehicles. This distortion worsens at night or during inclement weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
The Role of the Windshield in Airbag Deployment
One of the primary functions of a windshield is to support and direct the deployment of airbags during an accident. A damaged windshield could compromise this crucial function, rendering your airbags ineffective in protecting you. Without working airbags, you’re significantly more likely to end up with severe injuries or even death in case of an accident.
The Different Types of Windshield Cracks and Chips
There are different types of windshield cracks, and each has varying degrees of severity. Some common types include:
- A bullseye crack is circular and looks like a bull’s eye on the glass.
- Starburst crack has several legs branching out from the center like a star.
- Half-moon chip resembles a half-circle shape and can quickly spread into a larger crack.
It’s essential to have an expert assess the type and size of your windshield crack to determine if it’s safe to drive with or requires immediate repair or replacement.
What Are the Common Causes of Windshield Damage?
Windshields are durable, but there’s still a plethora of ways that they can end up with damage. Some of the common causes include:
- Flying debris: Rocks, gravel, and other objects kicked up by other vehicles could strike your windshield, causing chips or cracks.
- Extreme weather conditions: Hailstorms, heavy rain, or strong winds can cause damage to your windshield.
- Temperature changes: Sudden temperature fluctuations can cause cracks in your windshield due to the expansion and contraction of the glass.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
It is never safe to drive with a cracked windshield, even when it doesn’t feel that severe. That said, safety is relative, and some factors can determine whether it’s safe to drive with a cracked windshield, such as:
- The size of the crack: A tiny chip may not immediately affect your visibility while driving. However, it can quickly spread into a larger and more dangerous crack.
- The location of the crack: If the damage is in your line of sight, it can hinder your ability to see clearly and react to potential hazards on the road.
- Severity of the cracked windshield: If your windshield is extensively damaged, it may weaken your vehicle’s structural integrity, making it unsafe to drive.
When making decisions about what you’re going to do when you have a damaged windshield, it’s important to also consider the other environmental factors surrounding your drive. For example, it may be safer to drive with a chipped windshield in low-traffic areas with good weather conditions compared to traveling along busy highways during a storm with a highly visible, larger crack.
Also, driving with a totally wrecked windshield may be safer when you’re trying to escape a dangerous situation, like being stuck in extreme weather conditions or hurrying to the hospital for life-saving treatment. In such cases, you should drive as slowly and carefully as you can to avoid worsening the situation.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Driving with a Cracked Windshield?
Yes, if a police officer notices the crack in your windshield, you are likely to get pulled over. We’ve established that driving with a cracked windshield is generally dangerous. Remember, doing so doesn’t endanger you alone; it also puts other road users at risk.
The law protects the safety of everyone on the road, including yourself. As such, in most states and countries, you can face penalties for driving with a cracked windshield.
Some common penalties for driving with a cracked windshield include fines, points on your driver’s license, and even potential imprisonment when grounds for dangerous driving are established.
It’s also possible for you to face additional charges such as reckless driving or negligence if your cracked windshield obstructs your vision or impairs your ability to drive safely. These penalties can be much more severe and affect your driving record as well as insurance rates for a long time.
It’s important to note that law enforcement officers can pull you over for any visible damage on your vehicle, including a chipped windshield. Even if the crack seems minor, they still have the authority to stop you, inspect your vehicle, and issue a citation.
Can You Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
Of course, you can drive with a cracked windshield, but the larger question is whether or not you should. As mentioned earlier, we don’t recommend driving with a cracked windshield for safety reasons, and for the legal consequences it could lead to.
However, there are some exceptions where driving with a cracked windshield may be permissible. For example, if the chip is small enough to be hardly visible, you can continue driving until you can get it repaired.
It helps to check your local laws and regulations regarding windshield damage before deciding whether or not to set off in your car as these rules vary widely and they may have specifications in the law that can guide your decision.
How Long Can You Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
Don’t be tempted to keep driving with a cracked windshield just because it’s not causing any immediate problems. Small windshield cracks can spread rapidly, becoming larger and more dangerous over time.
Driving with a compromised windshield for a long time can also weaken your vehicle’s structural integrity. In the event of a collision or accident, this could put you at greater risk for injury.
If you didn’t know, a small crack can cause your car window to shatter for no reason. Yes, this is rare, but a cracked windshield can break while you’re driving, exposing you and your passengers to flying glass shards.
Be Safer and Avoid Tickets for Driving with a Cracked Windshield
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re on the road. Driving with a cracked windshield is unsafe, and you may get a ticket for doing so. In some instances, it can even land you in jail.
You need to repair or replace your windshield as soon as possible to avoid losses related to property damage, injuries, or legal penalties. Sometimes, you may just need to fix the chips or cracks, so find out how long it takes to fix a windshield.
Maybe you’re wondering, “Does auto insurance cover glass repair and replacement in Kentucky?” The answer is yes, as long as you have comprehensive coverage.
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, we understand your time is valuable, and you cannot afford to be off the road for long. That’s why we offer fast and efficient windshield repairs to get you back on the road ASAP!
