Windshield Safety

Windshield IQ
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 40,000 Americans are killed and over 5 million injured every year in highway crashes. Over 30 percent of the fatalities occur when vehicle occupants are either ejected from the vehicle or injured during rollovers. The SRS is designed to keep vehicle occupants within the relative safety of the passenger compartment during accidents, head-on collisions and roll-overs.
"Windshields are intended to keep occupants inside the vehicle," said Cyr. "The windshield also supports the roof, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and keeping it from collapsing and crushing driver and passengers. Seen from this perspective of personal safety, consumers have a vested interest in making sure any damaged windshield they replace is replaced properly and safely."
Cyr advises that every vehicle owner should be aware of the five most important safety functions performed by their windshield:
Visibility. Unlike drivers of old, we do not wear goggles that keep bugs out of our eyes or highway debris from hitting our face. Even so, the modern windshield can become pitted and scratched from minute dirt and sand particles. Pebbles and stones can fracture the glass causing dings that, if left unattended, can affect vision.
Airbag Support. In many cars and trucks, the windshield supports the passenger side airbag during deployment. If a windshield is replaced improperly, the windshield could become detached from the vehicle in an accident. If this happens, the passenger side airbag will not deploy properly.
Cushion During Accidents. Windshields cushion the blow if a vehicle occupant is thrown forward in a crash. Windshields are made of two layers of glass sandwiched around a layer of polyvinyl material. The glass may break but the polyvinyl layer is flexible and cushions the impact. This feature explains why windshields are made of glass not plastic. Plastic is rigid and unforgiving to a person's head and neck.
Barrier to Ejection. When the windshield cushions the occupant's impact, it also keeps the occupants within the relative safety of the passenger compartment. If the windshield becomes separated from the vehicle, the occupants could be ejected through the windshield opening and onto the roadway. Outside the vehicle, the danger of being crushed by the vehicle is greatly enhanced.
Passenger Compartment Integrity. Years ago, most vehicles had steel A-pillars to support the roof. Today, it is the windshield that provides much of the support that prevents the roof's collapse during vehicle roll-overs.
"There is one common thread which connects all five windshield safety functions," says Cyr. "The windshield must remain securely in place on the vehicle. If the windshield dislodges for any reason, it will not perform as designed."
According to Cyr, there are a few common sense tips drivers can follow to ensure their windshield performs as intended. The ideal scenario calls for saving the original windshield installed by the factory. "The conditions inside the factory for installing a windshield are perfect", says Cyr, "so the confidence level in the factory seal between windshield and vehicle is highest."
"If the original windshield is damaged," explains Cyr, "there are two choices. Either repair the original windshield or replace it. The advantage of repair is the factory's safety seal is not broken. The windshield is not removed from the car. That saves both the very expensive windshield and the safety seal."
"Many people are unsure if their windshield can or cannot be repaired," says Cyr, "so it is extremely important to consult a competent auto glass service provider for advice. If you are not sure, it is always a good idea to ask local service providers if their technicians are certified by the National Glass Association."
"If the damage is beyond repair", concluded Cyr," then windshield replacement is the only other alternative. If replacement is indicated, I recommend asking if the auto glass shop endorses the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) and trains their technicians to that standard."
For more information on auto glass safety, you may call 1-800-CAR-HELP toll-free and select the "Damaged Auto Glass" menu option, or, visit www.glass.org/consumer/overview.htm and www.agrss.com.
About National Glass Association
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass and auto glass industries. Based in McLean, VA, NGA offers certification, education and training, and serves the industry with the leading trade publications-Glass Magazine, Window & Door, and AutoGlass. NGA currently hosts GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO.
Source: National Glass Association