Automotive windshields have been around for almost as long as automobiles. Back in the early days, they were made from the same type of glass used to fabricate windows. Today's windshields are far more durable and better able to withstand minor impacts, which makes them much sturdier and safer.

Unfortunately, even all of the modern advancements in windshield glass technology can't prevent occasional chips and cracks. The protective coatings just make it less likely that minor impacts will cause complete windshield failures.

What starts as a tiny crack from flying road debris can quickly turn into a huge problem. Even if it's not in the driver's direct line of sight, an expanding crack can still prohibit him or her from seeing the road clearly, making accidents more likely. Plus, allowing tiny chips to turn into huge cracks means that windshields are more likely to sustain further damage.

Windshields don't just stop road debris from hitting drivers in the face as they head down the highway. They play a crucial role in ensuring the car's structural stability. If a car rolls over during a serious accident, for instance, it will be more likely to crush in on itself, and its passengers, if the windshield is already damaged.

One of the many ways that windshields keep drivers and passengers safe is by reducing the risk of ejection upon impact. Cracked windshields aren't as strong as fully intact ones, so they'll be less likely to stop people or pets from being ejected during a crash.

Replace a Windshield to drive with a cracked windshield in many places, and most states that perform annual inspections will not pass vehicles that have even small cracks if they are in the driver's direct line of sight. Not all states require drivers to fix windshield cracks before they head back out on the road, it's still wise to heed those laws where they're in place. They're there to protect people, and failure to fix a Chipped Windshield can lead to fines.

It's much easier than most drivers think to fix a cracked windshield. All it takes is a call to a local repair shop or mobile repair tech. Replace a Windshield than not, insurance will even cover the repairs or windshield replacement, so there's no reason to put off this essential fix.