If you've watched the news lately, you know that there's been an increase in the number of teens who are throwing rocks and other objects at passing motorists. If you're going to be driving, you need to be aware of the danger, especially when driving under overpasses. If your windshield is struck by flying debris thrown from overpasses, you need to act quickly. Here are four steps you need to take as soon as your windshield is struck.

1. Slow Down and Pull Over

If someone throws rocks or other debris at your windshield, your instinct might be to slam on your brakes. Unfortunately, slamming on your brakes may result in additional accidents, especially if the person behind you doesn't have enough time to apply their own brakes. Instead, take your foot of the gas, activate your hazard lights, and slowly move to the side of the road.

2. Call for Emergency Assistance

Once you're safely parked on the side of the road, you'll want to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. You'll also want to call for emergency assistance. This is an instance where you should call 9-11. They'll want to dispatch an officer to the scene to make sure you're safe, and to look for the culprits. This action will help prevent other motorists from experiencing the same thing you just went through.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

If you and your passengers haven't sustained injuries that will require immediate attention, you should contact your insurance company while you're waiting for emergency assistance. This is particularly important if your car has suffered extensive damage to your windshield. You may need to have your car towed to a safe location.

4. Have Your Windshield Repaired

Once you notify your insurance company, you'll need to get your windshield repaired as quickly as possible. It's never safe to drive with a damaged windshield. Driving with a damaged windshield can interfere with your field of vision, which can lead to a car accident. Unfortunately, if you're in a car accident and your windshield is already damaged, your air bag might not deploy properly, which will put you and your passengers at greater risk for injuries. To avoid further damage, and provide adequate protection for you and your passengers, have your glass repaired as quickly as possible.

If you become the victim of a prank that damages your windshield, use the tips provided here to protect yourself, and take care of the damage.