It can happen at any time; you are driving happily on your way home or somewhere else when suddenly, out of nowhere, something crashes into your windshield and cracks it. While the object may not have completely gone through the glass, the crack will reduce your visibility and make it dangerous to drive. Do you have a plan in case this happens to you? If not, here are a few pointers on what you should do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
- Pull Over – The first and best thing to do when your windshield cracks when you are driving is to put on your blinkers and pull over to the side of the road. Carefully exit the vehicle and set out any hazard signals you may have in your trunk. Once you have established the safety of your vehicle and yourself, you can proceed to assess the damage. Don’t forget to take as many pictures as necessary for your insurance company.
- Do Not Attempt to Repair the Windshield Yourself – Even when the damage to your windshield may be minimal, do not attempt to repair it yourself. The glass is formed by different layers to keep you safe, and trying to fix it on your own can make it even more unsafe than it already is. The best thing you can do is call the pros for the best results.
- Check for Holes – When you’re assessing the damage to your windshield, do so from the outside and the inside of the vehicle. If you find any holes, there are two options. If the hole or crack is small enough that it didn’t damage the integrity of the windshield on the driver’s side, get back in your car and drive to your destination as safely as possible. Stay under the speed limit and keep your hazard lights flashing for the duration of the drive. If the hole or crack is large enough to have caused any damage to the driver’s side, stay put and call us at All Makes Auto Glass for help.
- Have a Plan – Just as you would for any other type of accident, have a plan for a cracked windshield. Talk it over with your spouse and children of driving age. Additionally, keep a list of numbers to call in the glove compartment of your car or saved to your phone. Try to maintain your safety at all times. If it is impossible for you to get out of your vehicle safely once you’ve pulled over, call emergency services for help. Nothing is as valuable as your life, so don’t take any unnecessary risks!