Windshields are actually a safety device on vehicles. People have been hurt or killed needlessly by unsafe windshields.  AIRBAG
Many people don't realize that front-seat passenger airbags are designed to deploy against the windshield! But when a windshield is cracked it doesn't protect you the way it's supposed to. Airbags can actually blow the glass of a cracked windshield right off, giving no protection. Passengers who aren't properly wearing a seatbelt, can even be ejected through the windshield hole, in the event of a front-end collision. A passenger ejected from a car or truck is much more likely to experience a serious injury or death.
Another problem is improper replacement of windshields. If they aren't replaced correctly, they could "pop out" in a collision and render the air bag useless. Place your mouse over this picture to see what can happen if your front windshield is damaged or not installed properly.
ROOF STRUCTURE
Windshields provide up to 60% of the roof's structural strength. In a rollover accident, if the windshield doesn't hold, the roof is much more likely to cave in, causing serious injury or death.
VISION
Of course, the most basic function of windshields is to allow vision. Chips, cracks, or pitting that reflect sunlight can seriously impair the driver's view of the road ahead.
A small chip can turn into a Grand Canyon sized crack overnight. California's temperature extremes, with morning defrosting and day time heat, put a tremendous stress onto windshields. 
WHAT TO DO
Regularly inspect your windshield for damage. Repair chips or cracks as soon as possible. This will help prevent the cost of a complete windshield replacement. Replace windshields that are beyond repair or badly pitted.
Learn more at SafeWindshield.com - The consumer website for safe windshield repair and replacement.
83% of replacements per year are caused by edge cracks, with impact points less than three inches from the edge.
Edge cracks are the result of:
- A weak spot around the perimeter caused from the thermal effect during the manufacturing process.
- Mechanical stress from the windshield being glued to the vehicle, which also enhances the weak spot.
- Tension field created by the weak spot, mechanical stress and temperature variance.
- Fracture mechanics. The critical size and force for fracture decreases as you approach the edge.
Theory of Elasticity. Tension stresses are produced in the perimeter from inside vs. outside temperature variations
Survey Results
The statistics below were obtained by combined survey results taken from:1)Replacement shops; 2) repair shops; and 3) mall parking lots. Multiple surveys were completed, totaling over 10,000 vehicles.
The cause of windshield replacements:
Edge crack - 83%
Sandblasting or pitted - 7%
Floater cracks (stone breaks that cracked), impact was past 4 inches from the edge - 5%
Vandalism - 2%
Stone breaks in acute area (8 1/2" x 11" in front of the driver) - 2%
Hail damage, stress cracks and miscellaneous - 1%
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