How Do I Avoid Damage to My Auto Glass?

Driver Distraction


While on the road, it is highly recommended to avoid activities which contribute to driver distraction. Risky activities take a driver’s eyes off the road.

These activities may include talking or texting messages on a cell phone, using a Blackberry or iPod, eating fast food, arguing with a passenger, applying makeup or reading a map, and being distracted by a noisy DVD, video game, or GPS system while driving. Driver distraction has been estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to contribute to 80 percent of vehicle crashes.

The rise in driver distraction now rivals drunk driving as the biggest culprit in vehicular crashes.

Even though cellphone usage while driving has already been banned in many states, auto companies are taking more initiatives to increase high-tech innovations.

As a result, the latest vehicle models have been virtually turned into communication and entertainment hubs now equipped with even computer keyboards and printers!
Although these high-tech additions are enjoyable to use, overwhelming evidence available should be convincing enough for drivers to avoid these electronic distractions.

In recognition of the safey risk their high-tech additions impose, auto makers have been quick to equip vehicles with hands-free systems such as voice activated technology.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, has recommended designing systems and controls which do not distract the driver from his sight lines.

However, studies indicate that hands-free devices offer no safety advantages over hand-held ones. The main factor in vehicle collisions is mental distraction and the limitations on driver attention caused by in-car devices, not just the impairment of physical dexterity in usage of these devices according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

This implies that even though voice interface will be used in the future such as voice dialing, the ability of drivers to concentrate on the road and driving safely will still be equally impaired as before without the newly perceived accident-free technology.

Safety Precautions


When will enough distractions be enough? It is up to the driver to make sure his or her vehicle is as distraction free as possible.

The responsibility for the safety of passengers must be taken on by the driver in order to avoid accidents which may not only endanger many lives but cause injury to the auto glass and structure of the vehicle.

To avoid unnecessary accidents and costly damage to your vehicle, especially your windshield, take all measures to reduce driver distractions. When you are in your vehicle, focus on driving and getting safetly from destination A to destination B.

Make sure your passengers understand the proper behavior required of them when in the vehicle. If you have many small children, it may be smart to have another adult supervising them while you are in the driver’s seat.

Otherwise, running a quiet DVD is another viable option. Keep distractions at a low and your head clear, and you will be sure avoid expensive damage to your vehicle and unnecessary breaks, dents, cracks, and scratches on your windshield.