Have you ever worried about getting sunburned on a long drive on the window-facing side of your arm or face? You actually won’t get burned since car windows block UVB rays – the rays responsible for irritation and redness – but UVA rays, which can lead to skin cancer, still enter through the side and rear windows (most windshields come with UVA protection standard). Drivers tend to feel protected because they are inside their cars, but when it comes to UV rays drivers can be just as vulnerable to cancer risk as someone sunbathing on the beach.
Drivers typically consider window tinting an automotive styling accessory, but the recent case with commercial truck drivers is the perfect example of why window tint is far more than a way to create a shaded custom look and is also an important safety feature for anyone that spends extended periods of time on the road.
According to a recent article and 2011 study by the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, big rig commercial truck drivers have significantly higher cancer rates on the left side of the face and arm. Researchers understandably linked their findings to the extended periods of time these drivers spend on the road with the sun pouring in through the windshield and driver side window.
The increased cancer risk among commercial drivers was also due to a recently-amended safety regulation that prohibited the installation of any window film on commercial vehicles. These regulations may be in place to prevent obstruction of interior visibility by law enforcement personnel, but after considering the recent findings regarding cancer risk, the Department of Transportation has changed the rule to allow installation of clear window film, which doesn’t darken windows, but still blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
Any driver that spends enough time in the car to get sunburned should install car window tint which will nearly eliminate the risk of UV damage while driving. Even if the look of tinted windows just isn’t your style, you can still apply clear UV blocking window film that doesn’t darken windows, but still protects you from harmful UV rays. Commercial and residential tinting can also be installed to protect loved ones and employees from harmful UV rays while indoors.
Tint World® provides a wide variety of UV blocking window tint in a variety of different shades, styles, and packages – including clear window tint. Stop by to see samples of each window tint style and schedule an appointment for affordable installation nearby you.
