A safe practice when handling a damaged windshield that could affect airbag deployment?

• A. Proceed with repair as planned
• B. Do not proceed; consult supervisor and consider replacement; ensure vehicle is safe and does not pose risk to airbags
• C. Only cover the damaged area with tape
• D. Disable airbags before repair

Answer: (B)

When windshield damage could affect airbag deployment, safety requires pausing the repair and bringing in supervision to assess the risk. The windshield isn’t just glass—it serves as a structural component that helps support the airbag system and maintain proper deployment. Damage in or near the airbag area can alter how the bag deploys, misalign sensors, or compromise the integrity of the restraint system. If the damage could impact airbag function, the correct action is to halt the work, evaluate with a supervisor, and consider replacement to restore safe operation of the airbag system.

Trying to proceed with repair ignores the airbag safety risk; covering the damaged area with tape doesn’t fix the underlying structural issue; and disabling airbags is unsafe and generally illegal. The priority is ensuring the vehicle remains safe and the airbag system will deploy as designed.