Windshield Safety

Most drivers consider their windshield as a convenient part of the car that keeps bugs from hitting them in the face. More than just part of the envelope that keeps us riding around comfortably, an automobile or truck windshield is part of the vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS) that also includes air bags and seat belts. If any of these safety components are damaged or are inoperable for any reason, the effectiveness of the entire SRS could be compromised.

The SRS is designed to keep vehicle occupants within the relative safety of the passenger compartment during accidents, head-on collisions and rollovers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 40,000 Americans are killed and over 5 million injured every year in highway crashes. Over 30% of the fatalities occur when vehicle occupants are either ejected from the vehicle, or, injured during rollovers.

Beyond keeping occupants inside the vehicle in an accident, the windshield also supports the roof thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Consumers have a vested interest in making sure any damaged windshield they replace is replaced properly and safely.

For these reasons every vehicle owner should be aware of the five most important safety functions performed by their windshield. Take a moment to think and then read on….

Visibility is a critical function of a windshield. The glass can become pitted and scratched from minute dirt and sand particles. Pebbles and stones can fracture the glass causing dings that, if left unattended, can affect vision.

In many cars and trucks, the windshield supports the passenger side airbag during deployment. If a windshield is replaced improperly, the windshield could become detached from the vehicle in an accident. If this happens the passenger side airbag will not deploy properly.

Windshields cushion the blow if a vehicle occupant is thrown forward in a crash. This may sound counter intuitive, but windshields are made of two layers of glass sandwiched around a layer of polyvinyl material. The glass may break but the polyvinyl layer is flexible and cushions the impact.

When the windshield cushions the occupant's impact, it also keeps the occupants within the relative safety of the passenger compartment. If the windshield becomes separated from the vehicle, the occupants could be ejected through the windshield opening and onto the roadway. Outside the vehicle, the danger of being crushed by the vehicle is greatly enhanced.

Finally, there is the integrity of the passenger compartment. Years ago, most vehicles had steel A-pillars to support the roof. Today, it is the windshield that provides much of the support that prevents the roof's collapse during vehicle rollovers.

For your safety, a quality windshield replacement is what you deserve, and is what you should demand. NGE affiliate shops uphold a rigorous set of standards and certifications, and agree to our “Quality Pledge” to be a member.