wasn't trying to diss anyone with the "tailgate" comment,,,,
I used to own a honda element (same vertical windshield), after 3 cracked windshields (which geico replaced at no charge for all 3) I found if staying about 2 extra car lengths back it helped a lot,,, and you definetly can get stuff thrown up from vehicles coming the opposite direction and or being next to them, when I pass 18 wheelers I go as far and as fast as I can to get past them, their tires will definetly spit rocks at you on the side,, friend of mine chipped a tooth as he passed on his bike from a rock

 

I've got Allstate and they pay 100% for chip repairs but my deductible will barely cover a new windshield. I've got two small chips both on the drivers side within two weeks of each other, none since. I need to get them fixed for free before they run or I'm done.

 

had to drive my mother to the airport at like 7am this morning. had to hurry to get to school, going about 85 headed back towards downtown kc, and out of no where it looks like a black speck floats out, smacks why windshield, right in front of my face, and puts a large chip/crack. almost the size of a nickel. so, hope insurance covers it, going to call them tomorrow.

put a brush guard on i have heard, and it will increase/mess with aerodynamics enough to help divert debris. im not sure, i have one from predator in the garage for my h2, but, its been snowing/under 20degrees here for almost a month, so i have been putting off installing it =P

 

I had a rock bounce from the slow lane and hit my windshield just right to crack my WS last winter. My insurance covered it where they were able to repair it and not replace the windshield. I lucked out, they said the windshield is expensive and not easy to replace.