Did a Rock Hit Your Windshield, or Did Your Windshield Hit a Rock?

[Dude]

Here’s an explanation (with graphics and animation) for all those whose windshields had to be replaced after contact with a rock (or other flying object)

You can stop blaming the rock !

Physics shows it was your fault for hitting the rock

Note: My post is meant to be humorous but the article is a great explanation .. please try not to take offense (we all know … windshields are expensive with or without insurance)

https://www.wired.com/story/did-your-windshield-hit-a-rock/

If you are unable to access the link it’s probably because a subscription to Wired Magazine is needed - it’s a very good magazine well worth having a subscription

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[TNFurb]

Good article. I enjoyed that lesson. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ELCouz]

https://www.wired.com/story/did-your-windshield-hit-a-rock/

If you are unable to access the link it’s probably because a subscription to Wired Magazine is needed - it’s a very good magazine well worth having a subscription

For the ones that is stuck behind that paywall --- > https://archive.ph/75QY7

A little google explanation on this article

1. Objects retain motion – A dropped object, like a ball, keeps the forward speed of the car, so it won’t hit the following vehicle unless affected by other forces.
2. Air drag slows objects – A falling object loses speed due to air resistance, causing it to eventually lag behind.
3. Rocks can bounce unpredictably – Rotational energy can make a rock jump higher after hitting the ground.
4. Tires can launch rocks – A rock stuck in a tire tread can be flung upward when released.
5. Following distance matters – Staying farther back reduces the chance of hitting airborne debris.

The title is a clever play on perspective, challenging the reader to rethink causality. It shifts the blame from the rock to the driver’s motion, emphasizing that the windshield is the one moving into the rock rather than the other way around. This aligns with the physics explanation in the article and makes for a thought-provoking and engaging headline. It also subtly reinforces the idea that maintaining a safe following distance can help prevent such incidents.


Excellent ?

 

[Mark S.]

Following distance matters – Staying farther back reduces the chance of hitting airborne debris.

Now now, that's blaming the victim.

 

[Dude]

Doesn’t really offer an in depth explanation of why that rock visually appears to be flying right towards the windshield almost if attracted like a magnet ? ?

 

[bdewey]

This is NOT funny, not one bit, nope. My brand new Eruption Green Outer Banks showed up Wednesday the 19th, driven up from a dealer a bit over an hour South of me. Getting close to the dealer, and for me to pick up, a rock found the windshield. Rather than wait for the replacement I took the vehicle, love it by the way, and am still waiting for an ETA on a back ordered windshield.

At this point I don't really care if it is the rock or the cars fault, I do, however, question on how an auto manufacturer can be out of windshields, and not have an ETA for the dealer.

Bad part, the crack is growing.

( ok, it really IS a funny article, and thank you for the pointer, very much )

 

[rootdoc]

Here’s an explanation (with graphics and animation) for all those whose windshields had to be replaced after contact with a rock (or other flying object)

You can stop blaming the rock !

Physics shows it was your fault for hitting the rock

Note: My post is meant to be humorous but the article is a great explanation .. please try not to take offense (we all know … windshields are expensive with or without insurance)

https://www.wired.com/story/did-your-windshield-hit-a-rock/

If you are unable to access the link it’s probably because a subscription to Wired Magazine is needed - it’s a very good magazine well worth having a subscription

I have forwarded the link to my family and some friends. The consensus is going with the humor of us hitting the rock.
Also brought back memories of physics class.

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