It is estimated that every year, there are approximately 1,000 car accidents in the UK that are caused by broken windscreens. Of these, about 500 are serious enough to cause injury, and 100 are fatal.
One of the most common causes of windscreen breakages is stone chips. These occur when small stones or other debris are flung up from the road surface and hit the windscreen at high speed. The impact of the stone can cause a small chip to break off, which can then turn into a crack.
Another common cause of windscreen breakage is hail damage. This is when hail stones hit the windscreen and cause it to shatter.
It is important to get your windscreen repaired as soon as possible if it is broken, as it can pose a danger to you and your passengers. Driving with a broken windscreen can obscure your vision and make it more difficult to see obstacles on the road. In some cases, it can also cause the windscreen to collapse completely, which can lead to serious injury or even death.
The Dangers of Driving with a Broken Windscreen
Driving with a broken windscreen can pose a danger to you and your passengers. If the windscreen is cracked or shattered, it can obscure your vision and make it more difficult to see obstacles on the road. In some cases, the windscreen may even collapse completely, which can lead to serious injury or death. Broken windscreens can also be a danger to other road users. If a piece of the windscreen breaks off and hits another vehicle, it could cause an accident. Similarly, if a piece of glass from a broken windscreen hits a pedestrian, it could cause serious injury. There are several ways in which a windscreen can be broken. The most common cause is stone chips, which occur when small stones or other debris are flung up from the road surface and hit the windscreen at high speed. The impact of the stone can cause a small chip to break off, which can then turn into a crack. Another common cause of windscreen breakage is hail damage. This is when hail stones hit the windscreen and cause it to shatter. Hail damage is usually more severe than stone chip damage, and can often result in the windscreen needing to be replaced entirely.
How to Prevent a Broken Windscreen
There are several steps you can take to prevent your windscreen from being broken. One of the best things you can do is to have your windscreen regularly inspected by a professional. They will be able to spot any small chips or cracks and repair them before they become more serious. You should also avoid driving in heavy traffic, as this increases the risk of being hit by flying debris. If you must drive in heavy traffic, keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you so that you have more time to react if something does hit your windscreen. In hail storms, park your car under a shelter such as a tree or a garage. If you cannot find a shelter, put the car in park and turn on the hazard lights until the storm has passed.
The Consequences of Driving with a Broken Windscreen
If you are caught driving with a broken windscreen, you could face a number of consequences. In the UK, it is illegal to drive with a windscreen that is cracked or damaged in any way that obstructs your view. If you are caught driving with a damaged windscreen, you could be fined up to £2,500 and receive up to 9 penalty points on your licence. In some cases, you may also be prosecuted for dangerous driving.
How to Get Help if You Are in an Accident with a Broken Windscreen
If you are involved in an accident and your windscreen is broken, it is important to get help as soon as possible. If you are able to, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move your car, stay in it with your seatbelt fastened and wait for help to arrive. Once the police and ambulance have arrived, they will assess the situation and decide whether you need to be taken to the hospital. If you are not seriously injured, you will be able to get your car repaired and continue your journey.
Driving with a broken windscreen can be extremely dangerous. If your windscreen is cracked or damaged, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. If you are involved in an accident and your windscreen is broken, seek medical help immediately. Are you in West, North, or Central London and do you need a mobile windscreen? Call MDST Windscreen!