Though cracked windshields can be unavoidable and are very inconvenient, it is very important to replace the windshield or your safety could be compromised. While many things can crack a windshield, the most common cause of damage is road debris like rocks or gravel. You may have seen people driving with cracked windshields but many do not realize how unsafe it can be to do so. 

Here are three common scenarios that could happen if you do not replace a windshield after it is cracked. Keep reading for more information. 

1. Ineffective Airbag Deployment 

Not only is your windshield the first layer to protect you in the event of a wreck, but it also is used when your airbag is deployed.

If you get in a wreck, the impact should trigger your airbag to deploy. The airbag then usually hits your windshield and bounces back to provide protection for your head.

In the case that your windshield is cracked, the airbag may shatter your windshield and could result in serious head injuries or even death depending on how severe the wreck is

2. Shattered Glass

It should not be shocking that a cracked windshield is more susceptible to shattering completely. Since most car windshields are made out of laminated glass, they are designed to hold the glass together to prevent itself from breaking during a wreck.

It is important to note that this is not the case if the windshield is damaged. If your windshield is cracked, any impact – big or small – could cause the glass to shatter while you are driving.

Not only is this the worst-case scenario if you’re in a wreck, but this could also be the cause of a wreck if a small rock flies up and shatters your windshield while you’re driving. Unfortunately, the shattered glass can also cause serious injuries that could result in death as well. 

Additionally, the odds of serious or fatal injuries are greatly increased in the case of a front-end collision if the windshield is already cracked. There is also a higher probability of someone being ejected from the car if they are not wearing a seatbelt. 

3. Compromised Car Structure 

Believe it or not, a car’s windshield lends 40% structural strength to the roof of a car. This means if your windshield is cracked, there is a chance the car will not perform the way it is designed to in the event of a wreck.

In the case of a wreck resulting in a rollover, this could cause the roof to collapse which could result in deadly injuries for the passengers in the car. 

The windshield is responsible for 60% of the cabin’s structural integrity in the case of a rollover, which shows how crucial it is to replace your windshield if it gets damaged. It is extremely important to not risk driving with a broken windshield, especially when up to 30% of rollover-related deaths happen due to passengers being ejected through a damaged windshield. 

Be sure to treat any minor cracks to your windshield because the safety of yourself and others should take precedence over the inconvenience of bringing your car in to be fixed.