You’re driving down the road when suddenly, a rock flies up and chips your windshield. It’s just a tiny crack, so you shrug it off and keep going. No big deal, right? Well, that small crack could turn into a major safety hazard before you know it.

Many people put off fixing windshield damage, thinking it’s just a cosmetic issue. But in reality, a cracked windshield can put you and your passengers in serious danger. To give you an idea, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t ignore it.

1. A Cracked Windshield Weakens Structural Integrity

Your car’s windshield does more than just provide a clear view of the road—it also helps support the entire structure of your vehicle. In a collision, especially a rollover, the windshield plays a key role in keeping the roof from caving in.

If the glass is already cracked, it won’t be as strong, meaning the chances of a roof collapse increase. This puts everyone in the car at greater risk of serious injury in an accident.

2. Cracks Can Block Your Vision

Even a small crack in your windshield can affect how well you see the road. Over time, the crack can spread, creating a web of broken glass that distorts your view.

This can be especially dangerous when driving at night or in bad weather. If you can’t clearly see other cars, pedestrians, or road signs, your chances of getting into an accident go up significantly.

3. A Cracked Windshield Can Shatter on Impact

Your windshield is designed to withstand force, but when it’s already damaged, it becomes more fragile. A sudden impact—like hitting a pothole, slamming the brakes, or getting into a minor collision—can cause the entire windshield to shatter.

This not only creates dangerous flying glass but can also leave you exposed to further injury if another impact occurs.

4. It Affects Airbag Deployment

Most people don’t realize that their windshield plays an important role in how airbags work. When an airbag deploys, it needs the windshield to provide support and direct the force toward the passenger.

If the windshield is cracked, it might not be able to handle the pressure of the airbag, causing it to break instead of supporting the deployment. This could reduce the effectiveness of the airbag and increase the risk of injury during an accident.

5. Auto Glass Replacement Is Cheaper Than You Think

A lot of people put off repairing or replacing their windshield because they assume it will be expensive. But in many cases, auto glass replacement is surprisingly affordable—especially compared to the potential medical bills or car repair costs that could result from an accident caused by a damaged windshield.

Many insurance policies cover windshield replacement, sometimes even without a deductible. Plus, fixing a crack early can prevent it from spreading, saving you from needing a full replacement down the road.

6. Cracks Get Worse Over Time

What starts as a small chip can quickly turn into a long, deep crack. Changes in temperature, vibrations from driving, and exposure to the elements all make the damage worse.

A crack that’s only a couple of inches today could spread across the entire windshield in a matter of weeks. The longer you wait, the more expensive and dangerous it becomes.