This is why vehicles appear to fold up like a soda can in a crash. Your windshield acts as a security and transmission device to move the force of an impact from the font of the vehicle, up through the windshield to the roof and to the back of the vehicle. If the windshield is NOT installed correctly, the safety of the passengers is compromised. Urethanes, epoxy, silicone, plastic, rubber, metal, glue, etc. are all used to secure windshields to the structure of vehicles. In most cases, the adhesive manufacturers require the vehicle to NOT be moved or driven until the adhesive has cured which in some cases are as long as a day or more.
Convenience can be dangerous .
If your insurance company or its Agent insists that you go to their drive-in glass repair facility to have your windshield replaced and drive away the same day, you need to understand what you are doing. Unfortunately for consumers, the replacements of windshields are one of the most technical and least understood functions in the auto repair industry. Adhesives must be used perfectly and have sufficient time to cure. Failure to cure before the vehicle is driven can cause shifting and the adhesive to malfunction. If the windshield has been installed poorly, serious injuries can occur.