You’re cruising down the highway when suddenly—crack!—your windshield shatters. Whether it’s from flying debris, extreme weather, or an accident, a broken windshield on the highway is not only terrifying, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Knowing how to respond can help you stay calm, safe, and ready to handle the situation.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First and foremost—don’t panic. A shattered windshield is shocking, but keeping your composure helps you react wisely.

• Check for injuries to yourself or passengers.
• Determine if you can still see the road. If visibility is severely impaired, act immediately.

2. Safely Pull Over

If you’re able to see and steer:

• Signal and move to the right-hand shoulder as soon as it’s safe.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• If visibility is poor, roll down your window to peek out and guide yourself cautiously to a safe stopping point.

Pro Tip: Avoid sudden braking or swerving. Steady movements keep you in control and reduce the risk of collision.

3. Exit the Vehicle Carefully (If Needed)

If you’re in a dangerous spot, such as a narrow shoulder, a blind curve, or heavy traffic, exiting the vehicle may be safer:

• Do so only when traffic is clear.
• Stand far from the road and behind a barrier if possible.

4. Call for Assistance

Depending on the severity of the damage:

• Call roadside assistance or a towing service.
• Report the incident to the highway patrol or local authorities if the location poses a traffic hazard.
• Contact your insurance provider to start a claim.
• If the incident resulted from a collision or if there are injuries, call 911 immediately.

If you’re in Langley or nearby and need immediate help, some windshield repair Langley services offer mobile assistance right on the roadside, saving you the risk of driving further with a shattered view.

5. Don’t Drive with a Shattered Windshield

Even if the glass hasn’t fully collapsed, it’s illegal and unsafe to drive with a compromised windshield. Damage can worsen with movement and vibration. A reputable auto repair glass shop will assess the damage and offer options for repair or full replacement, depending on the severity.

6. Document the Damage

For insurance or legal purposes:

• Take photos of the windshield, vehicle position, and any objects involved (e.g., fallen debris or another vehicle).
• Collect witness information if others saw what happened.

7. Schedule Professional Repair or Replacement

Choose a reliable expert in windshield replacement Langley drivers trust. Look for certified technicians, OEM-quality glass, and solid warranties.

Many auto glass shops offer mobile service and will bill your insurance directly, making the process smooth and stress-free.

Bonus Tip: Prevention for the Future

While not all shatters can be avoided, some proactive steps help reduce your risk:

• Keep a safe distance from trucks and construction vehicles.
• Avoid roads with lots of gravel or debris.
• Repair small chips early before they spread.

A shattered windshield on the highway is a serious emergency, but you’re not powerless. With the right steps, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe, minimize damage, and get back on the road with confidence.

If you’re in Langley, contact Glassco Auto Glass & Window Langley for professional service you can count on. Their expert team offers fast mobile repairs, insurance support, and quality workmanship to get you safely back on the road.