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Driver Distraction and Windscreen Damage

The open road is a great place to be, but not when you are distracted. The number of car accidents caused by a driver being distracted each year may surprise you. Distractions can come in many forms such as talking while driving, or even eating while the car is in motion. One common distraction that many drivers overlook is a damaged windscreen. Accidents that are a result of distracted driving can result in serious injury or even death.

If your windscreen has cracks, pits, chips or warps, it can take your attention off of the road at the wrong moment. Fast Car Glass is here to let you know about how dangerous driving while distracted can be, and what you can do to prevent these types of accidents.

Main Causes of Distractions on the Road

We spoke with several insurance companies to find out what some of the top reported causes of car accidents are. The list below does not include accidents that were a result of medical complications or recklessness, only those caused by driver distractions. The main causes of distractions were:

• Daydreaming
• Talking on the phone
• Absentmindedness
• Passenger engagement
• Sudden attention to an outside event or person
• Control manipulation
• Mirror or settings adjustment
• Smoking or drinking
• Sudden glare from the sun or lights
• Animal disturbance inside the car or outside
• Windscreen damage

These are not the only sources of distraction, but rather the most common. Anything that takes the drivers attention away from the road runs the chance of triggering a car accident. Avoiding distractions and ensuring your car is well maintained is the best way to stay safe while on the road.

Windscreen Damage & Road Hazards

Anything that draws the drivers attention away from the road is a hazard, including windscreen damage. If you are paying attention to a crack or chip in the glass, you are not watching the road. In some cases, even if you are not distracted, any damage that impedes the driver’s line of vision can trigger a car accident.

A windscreen that has pits, cracks or chips not only affects your ability to see the road clearly, it also reduces the safety of the car. If the sun or lights from another vehicle strike the damage in the wrong way, it can temporarily prevent the driver from seeing the road. Being road blind in itself is a serious distraction that can lead to accidents or, in some cases, severe or fatal injuries.

Replace or Repair Your Windscreen To Prevent Distractions

As soon as you notice damage to your windscreen, you should take steps to get it repaired. There are plenty of options available for mobile repair, in-person repair, and total replacement if required. Working with a reliable glass repair company such as Fast Car Glass will ensure that your windscreen is repaired in the safest way possible. Windscreen repair is not something that should be left up to chance, it requires skill, experience, and the proper tools to ensure the job is done right. Give us a call at 07707 550375 to find out more.