California Private Investigator Practice Exam

Which part of a vehicle is most likely to shatter during a traffic collision?

1. Front windshield

2. Side windows

3. Back window

4. Sunroof

The correct answer is: Side windows

The side windows of a vehicle are often made of tempered glass, which is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces when broken. This safety feature minimizes the risk of serious injury caused by sharp glass shards, making it a common occurrence for side windows to shatter during traffic collisions. The impact and forces exerted during a crash typically direct more energy towards the side windows, which can lead to shattering upon impact. In contrast, the front windshield is made with laminated glass, which is designed to hold together even when cracked, providing a barrier against ejection during an accident and protecting passengers. The back window generally shares similar characteristics with the front windshield in that it may not shatter as easily due to its construction materials and design. A sunroof, while it can shatter, is less likely to do so in every collision scenario compared to side windows, primarily because it is not always subjected to the same forces as the side windows during a collision. Thus, the most likely part of a vehicle to shatter in the event of an accident is indeed the side windows.