How To Avoid A Cracked Windshield Caused By Construction
Summer is a wonderful time of year filled with patio drinks, picnics in the park, and road trips across the Great White North. As Canadians, summer is a season we look forward to all year, and we do our best to make the most of the warm weather. That being said, there is one major downside to summers in Canada – it doubles as “construction season.”
If you live in the GTA, you’ve probably already encountered your fair share of construction sites over the past few months. Road construction is a real nuisance, not only because it can make your commute extra long, but also because it poses a threat to your windshield. If you want to avoid any damage to your car this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about how to avoid a cracked windshield caused by construction.
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Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
If you plan your trip well ahead of time, you might be able to avoid construction sites and the possibility of windshield damage entirely. Take a mental note of construction sites you’ve noticed on your route previously and take an alternative route if possible. If that’s not feasible, give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to be.
For new routes, take advantage of apps like Waze that will tell you all about traffic, crashes, and construction in real-time.
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Slow Down
Driving the speed limit is something many Torontonians struggle to do in their everyday life, but if you’re going through a construction zone abiding by the posted speed limits just might save your windshield. There’s a reason that speed limits are slower in a construction zone – there are hazards at every corner and road workers may be hidden behind equipment.
Even if a rock in a construction zone does hit your windshield, the impact and resulting damage won’t be as bad if you’re driving at a slower speed. Slowing down in this scenario can make the difference between having to get a full-blown windshield replacement versus a simple windshield repair.
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Keep A Safe Distance
If you drive too closely behind a construction vehicle, you’re pretty much asking for your windshield to get cracked. There’s a high chance that a rock or piece of cement will fall off the truck and directly onto your windshield if you’re trailing too close behind. A construction site is definitely one place you want to follow the one car length behind rule!
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Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Distracted driving is a huge problem among drivers in Ontario, and it is one of the leading causes of car crashes. Driving through a construction zone while texting, putting on makeup, eating, or talking on the phone is extra dangerous. Keep anything that may distract you out of reach and pay close attention to your surroundings if you want your car to stay in one piece.
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Merge Ahead of Time
Merging in a construction zone at the last minute can be a serious hazard. Lane reductions cause confusion and congestion and increase the likelihood of a collision occurring. If you end up colliding with a construction vehicle, your windshield will be done for.
To prevent this from happening and minimize your risk, be on the lookout for construction signs and vehicles in front of you changing lanes. Do your best to merge early and well ahead of where the lane actually ends.
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Don’t Let Anger Get the Best of You
Last but certainly not least, don’t get angry when you spot a busy construction zone on your route. Aggressive driving won’t help you get through the construction zone any quicker, and if you take risks, your windshield will likely get damaged in the process. Keep in mind that you’re not the only one that has to deal with construction – we’re all in the same boat!
By implementing these suggestions into your driving routine this summer, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of your windshield getting cracked due to construction. If an accident still occurs despite your best effort, don’t panic – North York Auto Glass has got you covered. At North York Auto Glass, we offer same day windshield repair and windshield replacement services. We also waive up to 100% of your insurance deductible and have the most affordable auto glass rates in North York. Contact us today to get a free quote!
