How Maintaining a Safe Driving Distance Can Protect Your Vehicle’s Windshield

3 MIN READ | JULY 2, 2025

The more time we spend on the road, the higher the risk of encountering unexpected hazards that can damage our vehicles. Busy highways, construction zones, and proximity to large vehicles can all contribute to chips, cracks, and other forms of windshield damage that often require professional windshield repair or even full windshield replacement. While we can’t completely eliminate the risk, there are proactive steps we can take to safeguard our windshields from harm.

Understanding the Risks

Anyone who’s spent time on Calgary’s busiest roads, like Deerfoot Trail, Macleod Trail, and Memorial Drive, knows that these are notorious hotspots for windshield damage. The combination of high speeds, heavy traffic, and frequent construction activity create a perfect storm for flying debris and stray rocks that can easily crack or chip your windshield.

Construction Zones: A Common Culprit

Have you ever noticed those signs on construction vehicles warning drivers to stay back at least 200 feet? There’s a good reason those signs are there. These vehicles often carry loads of gravel, dirt, and other debris that can easily become airborne and strike your windshield.

While tarps are often used to cover these loads, they can become worn or damaged over time and allow debris to escape. In some cases, wind and driving speed can cause debris to fly out from underneath. Maintaining a safe following distance, especially around construction vehicles, is key to minimizing the risk of windshield damage.

Scattered Road Debris

Even when debris doesn’t fly directly from a construction vehicle onto your windshield, it can still pose a threat. Other vehicles can kick up loose rocks and debris from the road, sending them hurtling towards your vehicle. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a safe distance from both construction vehicles and other cars around you.

When Windshield Repair is Inevitable, Call in the Pros

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you do find yourself with a cracked or chipped windshield, it’s important to address it promptly. A small chip can quickly spread into a large crack, sparking the need for an urgent windshield repair or windshield replacement.

At Mobile Windshield Replacement in Calgary, we specialize in fast, reliable, on-the-spot windshield repair and replacement services. Our team of experts can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to restore your windshield to its original condition. Don’t let a minor chip turn into a major headache—contact us today for a free quote and get back on the road with confidence.