What windshield damage pattern describes a circular spider-like pattern observed during inspection?

What windshield damage pattern describes a circular spider-like pattern observed during inspection?

• A. Contact damage
• B. Impact damage
• C. Stress fracture
• D. Pressure crack

Answer: (A)

A circular spider-like pattern comes from a direct hit on the glass. When a hard object strikes the windshield, it leaves a central impact point and cracks radiating outward in a spider-web design. That specific look is what defines contact damage—the damage caused by contact with an external object. The other patterns don’t fit because stress fractures stem from internal stresses and spread as long, irregular cracks rather than a neat circular center with spokes, and pressure cracks arise from sustained pressure and usually start at an edge or flaw rather than a central impact with radiating cracks.

A circular spider-like pattern comes from a direct hit on the glass. When a hard object strikes the windshield, it leaves a central impact point and cracks radiating outward in a spider-web design. That specific look is what defines contact damage—the damage caused by contact with an external object. The other patterns don’t fit because stress fractures stem from internal stresses and spread as long, irregular cracks rather than a neat circular center with spokes, and pressure cracks arise from sustained pressure and usually start at an edge or flaw rather than a central impact with radiating cracks.