How do bullets typically react when hitting a windshield?

When bullets strike a windshield, they often deflect rather than penetrate cleanly. Windshields are made of laminated glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This structure is designed to be strong and can alter a bullet's trajectory upon impact. The angle at which the bullet strikes the glass plays a significant role in the deflection. When a bullet hits a windshield, it may not only slow down due to the resistance of the glass but also redirect itself, causing it to change course as it penetrates the material.

Deflection can lead to unpredictable outcomes, such as the bullet hitting unintended targets or causing injury in a different direction than anticipated. The possibility for such deflection is crucial for law enforcement and individuals handling firearms to understand, as it impacts aiming strategies in dynamic situations.

While other outcomes like penetration without deflection, lodging in the glass, or causing explosive shattering can occur under specific circumstances, they are less typical for most encounters with windshields in practical scenarios. Knowing how bullets interact with such surfaces helps in assessing risks and making tactical decisions in real-world situations.