When the glass is broken on impact, shards that are not contained, travel at great speed and can cause serious injuries. Deep-level cuts can cause death by loss of blood, and larger shards can even amputate limbs, or penetrate the body and cause fatal internal injuries.
Windscreens
Most windscreens have a built-in protection against these shards, and in South Africa the law insists on such windscreens.
Windscreens are manufactured from two pieces of glass with a piece of vinyl in between – like a sandwich. The glass is stuck to the vinyl to help prevent flying shards. Also, the windscreen breaks into small pieces that are less dangerous in case of an accident.
Shatterprufe® windscreens, a “born and bred” South African product, use only virgin vinyl in its manufacturing process because it is substantially stronger than recycled vinyl. For this reason most South African car manufacturers install only Shatterprufe® windscreens in new cars.
Shatterprufe® windscreens is also strong enough to help keep objects to penetrate the car from outside, and to help prevent a passenger to be thrown through the windscreen.
Side and rear windows
Side-impact accidents are often a bigger problem with flying shards because these windows normally don’t incorporate window film protection.
In this case professionally fitted LLumar® window film can make a big difference to help prevent injuries from flying shards.
Normally associated with smash-and-grab protection, LLumar®, the world’s no. 1 window film, creates similar benefits as Shatterprufe® windscreens with regard to contain flying glass and is especially effective in the case of side-impact accidents.
The film has the added benefit that it can help to prevent skin cancer due to its ability to block out the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.
Where to find it
Both Shatterprufe® windscreens and LLumar® window film are professionally installed by PG Glass service centres. Call 0860 02 02 02 to find the service centre closest to you, 24/7, or visit www.pgglass.co.za.
Also view:
Road Safety and Your Windscreen