The windshield of your car is one of the most important parts. It is a barrier between you and the world outside - other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. For that reason, a cracked windshield can be a major hazard to you and to others when you are on the road. Below is an overview of just three ways that a cracked windshield can compromise your safety.

1. Leads to Broken Glass

Cracked glass takes less force to break than it otherwise would. The broken glass is not just injurious to those inside, but to those outside as well. If the driver is killed or rendered unconscious by a shard of the glass, the car can swerve out of control. Somebody could very easily be killed or severely injured as a result of such a mishap.

2. A Cracked Windshield Hampers Visibility

The cracks in the windshield also have the effect of distorting the view of the exterior of the vehicle. The appearance of a car, truck, or bus immediately in front is broken into many pieces. This makes it difficult for you to judge such factors as the distance and speed of a nearby vehicle. As a result, a terrible collision might take place, causing damage to both vehicles involved and injury to many people.

3. The Windshield Wipers Do Not Function As Well

Depressions form at various points in the cracks that form in glass, and they are very uneven. Dirt and other debris can collect in these cracks, and the wipers cannot remove them easily. The way they work, after all, is by gliding over the smooth glass surface of the windshield. The presence of such dirt can reduce visibility and increase the chances of an accident. It's always important to have a clear view of the road in inclement weather such as a heavy rainstorm.

Insurance for Cracked Windshields

It is imperative that you know whether your auto insurance policy will cover repairs for a broken windshield. If you have comprehensive coverage, then you can be pretty sure that the answer to the question is yes. However, each policy differs in what the extent of the damage must be for them to reimburse the owner. A typical maximum size is six inches or about the width of a dollar bill. If it is bigger, you may need to replace the windshield.

All of the above incidences result in serious accidents or death. That is why it's so important to attend to a cracked windshield as soon as possible. Contact your auto insurance provider, such as Jake Pembrook Insurance Agency, for a professional within their network.