How Windshields Learned to Watch the Road 

Loose Roads, Flying Stones

Before automobiles, horse-drawn wagons traveled on dirt and gravel  

Early windshields had one main job: protect drivers and passengers from wind, weather, insects, and road debris.

There were no cameras watching lane markings. No collision warnings. No computers helping monitor the road.

The windshield was simply a window to the world ahead.

Vehicle manufacturers continued improving safety glass, seat belts, braking systems, and other safety technology.

The windshield also became an important structural component of the modern vehicle.

Cars were getting safer—but they still depended almost entirely on the driver to see trouble coming.

Electronic safety technology began changing the way vehicles responded to the road.

Sensors, cameras, radar, and computer-controlled systems increasingly helped vehicles detect what was happening around them.

The automobile was beginning to do more than move.

It was beginning to see.

Forward-facing cameras became increasingly common near the top center of the windshield.

Depending on the vehicle, these cameras can support features such as:

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Keeping Assistance

Forward Collision Warning

Automatic Emergency Braking

Traffic Sign Recognition

Adaptive Cruise Control

Suddenly, replacing a windshield wasn't always just a glass job anymore.

Modern ADAS cameras are designed to operate within very specific parameters.

After certain windshield replacements, repairs, collisions, suspension changes, wheel alignments, or other manufacturer-specified procedures, an ADAS system may require calibration.

Calibration helps ensure the vehicle's cameras and sensors are correctly aligned with the vehicle and the road.

A little off can matter a lot.