What type of glass is typically used for vehicle windshields?

Laminated glass is the correct choice for vehicle windshields primarily due to its construction and safety features. It consists of two layers of glass with a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between them. This design prevents the glass from shattering into sharp, dangerous pieces during an impact, which enhances the safety of the passengers. Instead, if the glass breaks, it stays adhered to the PVB layer, minimizing the risk of injury from glass shards.

Additionally, laminated glass also helps provide structural integrity to the windshield, contributing to the vehicle’s overall safety and performance. This type of glass is crucial not only for occupant protection but also for maintaining the vehicle's frame in the event of a collision.

Other types of glass, such as tempered glass, are used in side and rear windows because they can shatter into small, blunt pieces, which also minimizes injury but does not offer the same protection as laminated glass in the context of windshields. Acrylic and polycarbonate glasses are lighter and may be used in specific applications, but they are not standard for windshields due to concerns about optical clarity and impact resistance compared to laminated glass.