Cracked Windshields Present a Danger to Vehicle Occupants

HOUSTON - Aug. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 40,000 Americans are killed and over 5 million are injured in highway crashes every year. Over 30 percent of the fatalities occur when vehicle’s occupants are ejected from the vehicle, or injured during a rollover.

Beleza Auto offers an explanation of just how vital windshields are to vehicle occupants safety: “Windshields are intended to keep vehicle occupants inside the vehicle,” their website states. “The windshield also supports the roof, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and keeping it from collapsing and crushing drivers and passengers.”

 

Beleza Auto reminds car owners that windshields are a part of a vehicle’s safety restraint system (SRS). The SRS is the restraint system 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,” their website states.

 When it comes to windshield damage, certain cracks cannot be repaired safely, and require the windshield to be replaced. 

 “Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage,” writes MSN Auto. “The majority of windshield repair shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to three inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacement.”

 Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to windshield cracks, which is why most shops don’t recommend repairing any cracks that are beyond a certain size. 

 A cracked windshield should be inspected to determine whether the windshield will need to be repaired, or replaced. Experts say that repairs or necessary replacement should be done sooner, rather than later, to ensure vehicle occupant safety in the event of a crash, and to prevent the damage from becoming worse.

 “Regardless of the size and location of a chip or crack, it's always advisable to have it repaired quickly,” MSN Auto continues. “If you wait some time to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair.”

 Delta Auto Glass provides windshield repairs and replacement to the Houston Texas and surrounding area. For more information on windshield replacement, visit www.autoglasshouston.net.

 

 

http://belezaauto.co.za/windshields

 

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435992