Waiting Too Long to Replace Windshields Could Be Costly Move

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Dozens of metro drivers are driving cars that haven't made it into the repair shops yet after Sunday's massive hail storm, but authorities said driving with a hail-battered windshield could risk them more than just their safety.

Glass repair shops have a backlog of repairs, and metro residents are shopping around for the quickest place.

Samuel Mbsilikwu's car was a pummeled by hail Sunday and his windshield sustained major damage. He said he is working to get his glass fixed as soon as possible because he worries about driving around with hail damaged windows.

"You can't really drive around like this. It's risky. It's dangerous. It might even fly out, you never know," Mbsilikwu said.

Seeing out of a busted windshield can be even trickier.

"I am worried about it caving in on the highway when I'm driving," said Jerel Mcelroy, whose car was damage in Sunday's hail storm.

Besides the safety factor, driving with a damaged windshield is a traffic violation and can cost over $150. Oklahoma City Police said they are not ticketing people now but said they will if drivers wait too long.

Auto repairmen said the other safety factor drivers should think about is the windshield acts as a support to the roof. So if a driver gets into an accident, it could cause the roof to cave in.