The purpose of a windshield

Early yesterday I'd seen a report on the news from one of the big car shows about the new Ferrari "Sergio" - the sleek new concept car that featured a windowless design.
I thought, "Cool look, but even if I had millions of $, no thanks."
The body's aerodynamics might be good at deflecting rain & dust over the cabin area, but what about those heavier objects one has a tendency to encounter on the road - like rocks, dropped nuts, bolts, metal parts, other road debris - even the occasional small animal or bird.

Wouldn't ya know it, I'm given a very personal prime example.

While driving home with my mother from a Chiropractic appointment a little over 2 hours later, someone decided to test their pitching arm with an apple.

((I didn't see who threw it as I was near a 5 floor apt building & a bus stop with over a dozen high school students.))

Luckily I saw the apple coming a few scant seconds before the impact. I didn't get the chance to voice any warning - just a glance to the rearview mirror that nothing was close behind & a heavy jab of the brakes.

The impact was so loud I thought it had broken the glass.

Luckily, there was no damage other than the shattered nerves.