For daycab operators, such would extend to the rear window if applicable and/or desired. Why does it matter? The Skin Care Foundation cites research that shows that 53 percent of all U.S. skin cancer cases occur on the left (or driver’s) side of the body. Larry Constantin, Director of the Americas for the Solar Gard company, notes that the problem is long exposure to ultraviolet sunlight.
“Solar Gard window films has been around for 35 years,” says Constantin. “We go to market direct… We have warehouses and distribution sites that we own, and the places serve independent dealers. You’ll typically find our dealers commingling with detailing accessories and garage sites.”
The Ultragard product, he says, is “an invisible UV shield – designed to protect drivers.” It installs on the interior of the side glass. “You’re already getting a fair amount of protection from your windshield,” Constantin notes, given the way most windshields are made today — a good thing, since FMCSA’s clarification on window films does not apply to windshields as far as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is concerned. “NHTSA has said to us, ‘We’re comfortable with the clarification but not for windshields,'” Constantin adds.
Cost for the Ultragard product for haulers whose only need would be side glass would range from about “$99 to around $200,” says Constantin, depending on the presence of smaller glass pieces like vents. “We knew this clarification was coming forward, and this film was developed with your readers in mind…. They deserve protection and in many cases they haven’t known they could have it.”
Beyond, of course, wearing long sleeves on sunny days, as noted one commenter on news of the regulatory clarification on Overdrive‘s Facebook page: “That would be a much cheaper option.”