Solar Gard, a manufacturer of vehicle window films and a member of the International Window Film Association (IWFA), is providing Ultragard UV, a new window film designed to meet the needs of the trucking industry.
Until recently, it was believed that window film could not be applied to the side windows of large truck cabs, leaving drivers exposed to damaging UV (ultraviolet) radiation. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the IWFA consulted with the US Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), resulting in a clarification of the safety rule to permit application of “clear” window films. Since most large trucks in the United States do not have laminated side windows, drivers have remained unprotected against cancer causing UV-A rays until now.
Ultragard UV window film meets FMCSA requirements, providing the trucking industry with a system to protect drivers. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, Ultragard UV shields 99% of damaging UV-A and UV-B rays that cause sun damage and skin cancer.
Studies have shown that 53% of US skin cancer cases occur on the left side of the body — or the driver's side. Truck drivers spend up to 60 hours per week on the road, which puts them at a higher risk than the average driver for skin cancer or melanoma. With this clarification of safety regulations, truck drivers, fleet owners, and managers can install a protective window film with more than 70% net Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) on the side windows of trucks weighing more than 26,001 pounds. For lighter vehicles including vans, window film is already permitted as long as it adheres to local tint laws. Ultragard UV meets the tint law requirements in nearly all 50 states.
For more information, visit www.solargard.com/.