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October 16, 2005 a press release to The Detroit Free Press, among others, Ralph Nader,consumer activist and former presidential candidate, demanded that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strengthen and create regulations concerning windshield replacement and roof strength. He sites that in a roll over, a windshield accounts for 30% of roof strength. Further he stated, many windshields are put in with mishandled glass and short cuts. In this article further, he finds only 280 shops have signed on to the AGRSS standard (established in 2002) which guarantees a shop will install a windshield correctly; no shops in Oklahoma City, at this point, have taken this position.
December 30, 2005 The State, South Carolina's Largest News Paper states the windshield is "part of the vehicle's safety-restraint system - its intended to keep occupants inside the vehicle." "A windshield also supports the roof, so it is vital to preserving the structure of the vehicle's passenger compartment, keeping it from collapsing and hurting the occupants". They recommend keeping the factory windshield and the factory safety seal. If replacement is required they recommend a shop that endorses the A.G.R.S.S. standard. To date no shops in Oklahoma City endorse this standard.
April 19, 2006, KATC3, Baton Rouge, LA - House Speaker Joe Salter sponsors a bill to license auto glass replacement techs. This due to an investigation that showed windshields technicians "commonly install the glass improperly, which can cause it to fly off a car or truck." "If the windshield pops out, particularly if you're not buckled in, there's a greater chance you'll be injured". - Joe Salter
November/December, 2006, AGRR Magazine - A man on a Safety Mission - This is a publication to the auto glass industry. In an interview with Safety Expert Byron Bloch, who has 40 years experience and has been on ABC 20/20, CBS 60 Minutes, NBC Dateline, besides being a court-qualified expert, states that the windshield is extremely critical for passenger retention. It is also stated that it is a "known fact within the AGR industry that at least once every two weeks a car involved in a fatal accident has had its windshield installed within the prior 48 hours."
January 22, 2007, Business Wire, AAA, Press Release - AAA Says Motorists Who Drive with Cracked or Damaged Windshields May Be Placing Themselves in Harms Way - This article states that the windshield supports the roof and during either a head crash or roll over accident it prevents passengers from being ejected. It cites that NHSTA suggests that over 40,000 Americans are killed and 5,000,000 are injured in auto accidents every year. In this group 30% (3 out of 10) are killed from being ejected and injured during roll overs. According to AAA ?This suggests windshield integrity may be a crucial factor in crash survivability.?
April 3, 2007, KHAS News 5, Grand Island, Lincoln, Nebraska - Windshields play vital role in car safety - General Motors estimates in a news letter that 80% of installations are done improperly, according to this report. Further it is stated that a glass shop has documented proof of over 350 improper windshield replacements and many are dangerous. It is said that the problems of unsafe windshield replacements are not limited to Nebraska.
July 21,2009, KFYR TV, Bismarck North Dakota - Windshield Crack Repair - "Windshields provide most of the support for a car`s roof. And if one is cracked and a car rolls over, that support might give way, causing serious injury. While cracks start as a small pock mark or starburst, they can grow over time."
Other news reports and surveys show a high percentage of windshields that are improperly installed nationally. There have been numerous lawsuits filed against shops for improper installations, which resulted in severe injury and death for drivers and passengers.
Here in Oklahoma City we receive a regular number of calls about leaky windshields. A leak is a weak point, and indicates that the windshield had not been installed correctly. Further we have been made aware of 2 instances where, due to leakage, body work had to be performed because of severe rust, before a new windshield could be installed. Another problem we have witnessed and heard of due to improper replacement is windshields coming loose, even though the vehicle had not been in an accident. All in all, it appears that problems elsewhere with windshield replacements are also present here in Oklahoma City .
While we are a repair only company, this information has been provided for your safety which is our number one concern. Repair for your safety, replace only when necessary.
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A Dangerous Windshield Replacement That's Clearly Not Safe.
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The pictures shown above are of a windshield that popped out. In a severe accident it clearly would be dangerous as the passenger side airbag would have launched this windshield. Resulting in an airbag that would be out of place and weakening the vehicle structure. Click on the pictures to increase size.
From 1/1/07 to 2/6/07 we know of 4 windshields that have come loose, that had been replaced. By taking the time to fix your windshield replacement can be avoided, eliminating the danger of replacement.
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(Click on the pictures to increase size)
The damage to the windshield above was caused by a combination of the air bag and the top of the dash when the air bag deployed during a low speed accident. This was the factory windshield and the seal has performed its job as designed. While the windshield is damaged, it still protected the vehicle occupants and provided upper cab support. Having seen and heard of several windshields that have come loose on vehicles that were not involved in accidents in the Oklahoma City area, this is proof of the importantce of maintaining the factory seal. Windshield repair does not disturb the factory seal, and is a clear choice for the greatest safety for you and your passengers.
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FREE Mobile Service in OKC Metro Area - "We Come To Your Home Or Work"
Glass Aid Serves Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Besides OKC
Open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Monday Through Friday
Questions, Comments Or To Schedule An Appointment Please Call
(405) 631–5823
Toll Free (866) 400-6565
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