Is It Dangerous to Drive a Vehicle with a Cracked Windshield? Longview Accident Lawyer Investigates

New automotive technologies, such as crash-avoidance systems and backup cameras, are preventing accidents and saving lives. However, many drivers forget that some of the most important safety features in their vehicles have been around for decades.

The windshield, for example, plays a critical role in preventing injuries and reducing the severity of accidents. It supports your vehicle’s structure, which is particularly important during a rollover crash. However, a small crack in your windshield can compromise its ability to provide optimum support. As such, you should repair or replace your windshield if it sustains damage.

Unfortunately, even the most responsible drivers can fall victim to negligent motorists. If you were injured in a crash that another person caused, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

1. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury attorney in Longview who can evaluate your case, interview witnesses, gather evidence and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.

Read on to learn why it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a cracked windshield:

Windshields Play an Important Role in Vehicle Safety

It’s no secret that a windshield stops debris, wind, insects and rain from entering a vehicle. However, many drivers are not aware that one of the windshield’s most important functions is to support the structure of the vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the windshield prevents a vehicle’s roof from caving in during a rollover. This can save your life; however, just a tiny chip or crack in the glass may compromise its ability to provide optimal protection.

Also, windshields are one of three features that keep occupants inside vehicles; the other two are seatbelts and airbags. Most windshields are made from polyvinyl material, which is strong enough to prevent you from being ejected during a crash, yet soft enough to cushion the blow if you impact the glass.

Although you may still suffer an injury if you hit the windshield, your risk of dying increases dramatically if you are ejected from the vehicle, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Never Postpone Windshield Repairs

Fixing a small chip or crack may seem inconvenient and unnecessary, but this repair is worth the investment. Cracks and chips gradually grow in both length and width. Eventually, the damage becomes irreparable. Fixing your windshield immediately will save you money – and it could save your life.

You should only get a replacement windshield from a reputable technician. Depending on your vehicle, the airbags might not deploy properly if the technician incorrectly installs the windshield.

If you were injured by a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Texas car accident attorney who helps clients throughout east Texas, including Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Jefferson, Lufkin, Marshall, Mt. Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Paris, Pittsburg, Texarkana and Franklin County.

Mr. Cooper can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.