Windshields normally get damaged because of hailstorms, large debris, and head-on collisions, but people driving through Morgan County, Indiana encountered a different threat. According to WTHR13’s news segment “13 Investigates”, bits of loose gravel along State Road 67 pelted the windshields of many vehicles as the speed of passing cars caused these tiny pebbles to fly up and hit the vehicles behind. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is still trying to figure out why this is happening:
Problems began on INDOT’s “chip seal” project almost immediately. Like the limestone used on a neighboring road project, the river rock gravel used on 67 is supposed to add extra levels of safety protection to prevent potholes and help save the state money. INDOT chose the gravel for SR-67 because of the higher volume of traffic.
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While INDOT said the worst is behind them, the agency still recommends that everyone on State Road 67 drive 35 miles-per-hour.
Nothing of the sort has been encountered in Seattle, at least in recent memory, but it is still possible for the same thing to happen here. Last year, several neighborhoods like Crown Hill and Greenwood had miles of gravel roads built, although a more refined ‘chip sealing’ process was used to minimize loose debris. That said, Seattle motorists shouldn’t be surprised if their windshields are still pelted with small bits of rock as they cruise down the road. Fortunately, vehicle owners can count on a company like Bullseye Auto Glass for convenient and onsite mobile windshield repair in Seattle.
Depending on the location and severity of the damage, a windshield may be restored to near-mint condition using a variety of techniques and special resins that restore the clarity and strength of the glass. However, the trick is to have the damage repaired as soon as possible because dust, dirt, and other small debris accumulate on the damaged areas over time, thereby making repairs less effective successful.
Replacing the windshield may not necessarily be the last resort and could even be the first option if the damage happens to be rather extensive. Safety experts also argue that old, glazed windshields should be replaced soon since these can magnify the headlights of oncoming vehicles at night. In any case, can count on a Seattle windshield replacement company like Bullseye Auto Glass to carry out these tasks with utter precision.
Responsible driving goes a long way toward keeping windshields damage-free. When it comes to loose gravel on the road, though, that’s a different story.
(Source: State apologizes for pop-up rocks damaging vehicles on State Road 67, WTHR13, September 5, 2014)