by A cracked windshield is a common problem – but its adverse effects are many.
When you’re out on the road, a lot comes at your truck. Debris from violent weather or unsecured loads can hit your vehicle at high speeds, resulting in a semi cracked windshield. Since it’s not completely shattered, it must be ok to drive with, right? Not so — a cracked windshield is a common problem – but its adverse effects are many.
From the expense to repair or replace a windshield, the time lost when a truck is taken out of service, and the potential safety hazards chipped and cracked windshields cause, chips and cracks can wreak havoc on a trucker’s life.
Obviously, you’re busy and can’t risk this kind of interference with your business. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent windshield chipping and cracking such as using a windshield strengthening solution like C-Bond NanoShield Plus ™. To keep you safe while you’re out hauling, here’s everything you need to know about windshield safety.
Risks of Poor Windshield Safety
Your windshield is more than just a window — it’s your main access point to visuals and an important part of your vehicle’s structure. When it’s compromised, both and you other drivers are at risk. In fact, a functioning windshield is so important that the Department of Transportation has created regulation covering it.
Being Out of Compliance With Regulations
Once they do occur, chips and cracks tend to be easy to spot due to the size of a truck windshield and could therefore trigger a roadside inspection, which can be problematic for truckers already on a tight schedule. For busy drivers, being stuck in the middle of nowhere while the clock ticks down on your shipment deadline is one of the worst things imaginable.
Below is some information to remind you of your responsibilities if you run into problems with your windshield. For more information on the specific DOT windshield regulations, click here.
DOT windshield crack regulations are standards that all semi truck drivers must adhere to. If you are caught driving with a damaged windshield, you and the company you work for can be in big trouble. In fact, depending on the severity of the noncompliance and the number of other violations you or the company has accumulated, the DOT can do the following:
- Suspend operation
- Send violators to jail
- Fine violators
- Issue a written warning
Having Difficulty Seeing
Beyond regulatory noncompliance, a cracked windshield can have physical consequences, such as making it difficult to see the road. This places you at greater risk of a collision, which can result in harm to you and other drivers.
Even if you walk away unscathed from an accident, there are financial consequences to consider. For example, the truck will need repairs or, if it’s been totaled, a replacement. Your insurance premiums are also likely to go up.
Experiencing Injury in the Event of a Crash
Windshields are designed to take a lot of punishment, which is why they spiderweb instead of breaking outright. However, if the glass is already broken and you get into an accident, the glass may actually shatter, covering you in small, sharp pieces of shrapnel.
The windshield also plays an important role in your vehicle’s integrity. If the glass shatters completely, the force of a collision may affect passengers instead of being transferred to the chassis.
Issues To Look Out For
Even high-quality windshields can be damaged from time on the road, but there are steps you can take to prevent major harm. To keep your windshield in top shape, make sure to look out for these issues.
Chips and Cracks
Keep an eye on chips and cracks. Chips can be caused by pebbles and other small debris that hits your windshield at a high speed and can quickly escalate into cracks. If a chip occurs and a repair is possible, get it fixed quickly before more serious damage occurs and a total windshield replacement is necessary. Once a crack intersects with another crack, you will need to repair or more likely than not replace your windshield immediately.
Beyond saving time and money by keeping your truck on the road, more importantly, it has been proven that chips or cracks in a driver’s field of vision can increase reaction time, which could be lethal.
Discoloration
Some coloration on windshields is permitted. In fact, tinting along the sides and top of the windshield can be beneficial, as it shields drivers from UV rays and makes it easier to see. The problem is when discoloration interferes with seeing the road — any tinting that impairs driver vision increases the risk of collisions, which can result in cracked glass.
Keep windshield discoloration in check, which can impair a driver’s view. Coloring or tinting of windshields and the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver is allowed, provided the parallel luminous transmittance through the colored or tinted glazing is not less than 70 percent of the light at normal incidence in those portions of the windshield or windows which are marked as having a parallel luminous transmittance of not less than 70 percent. The transmittance restriction does not apply to other windows on the commercial motor vehicle.
Debris
Debris is bound to accumulate along the bottom of your windshield, but it’s important to clear it away regularly. That dirt, small rocks and twigs can get caught in your wipers, which makes them less effective during rainy weather. At worst, debris can scratch the glass while being dragged across it.
Keep your windshield free and clear of debris and keep your windshield wipers in good shape. Your truck must have a windshield wiping system and a windshield washing system with fluid to be in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
DOT windshield cracks regulations are a serious matter. However, by maintaining your vehicle and keeping your responsibilities in mind, you can stay in compliance and remain safe on the road.
C-Bond NanoShield Plus has been proven to increase driver reaction time and visibility in wet weather conditions due to its advanced hydrophobic technology built directly into the windshield strengthening. Not only does the product help keep your windshield free from chips and cracks, the integrated water repellent displaces moisture to help keep glass clear, an important safety benefit for drivers.
C-Bond NanoShield Plus™ Windshield Kit is available for purchase at Iowa80.com.
With truck windshields averaging one replacement every year, C-Bond NanoShield Plus can provide a cost-effective solution to an expensive and recurring problem.
Any questions? Contact C-Bond Systems or [email protected].
C-Bond NanoShield Plus™ Windshield Kit is available for purchase at Iowa80.com
With truck windshields averaging one replacement every year, C-Bond NanoShield Plus can provide a cost-effective solution to an expensive and recurring problem.
Any questions? Contact C-Bond Systems or [email protected].