Incorrectly fitted windscreens are dangerous and if you’re concerned about your own safety and the safety of your passengers, you should read this.
Most of us tend to think that the only time that windscreen safety may be compromised is when they’re cracked or chipped or when they’re so dirty that visibility is impaired – but the reality is that incorrect installation can be life-threatening.
Let’s look at the risks of a poorly fitted windscreen:
- Auto glass plays a key role in the structural strength and handling characteristics of a passenger vehicle, contributing up to 34% of the vehicle’s stiffness. The frame is specially designed and constructed to help prevent the metal frame of the vehicle from collapsing, so if it isn’t fitted properly, it is very likely to compromise the safety of the car’s occupants.
- In the event of an accident or impact, the windscreen is designed to keep passengers in the vehicle. The risk of serious or fatal injury is said to increase by between 3 and 40 times when passengers are ejected from a vehicle as a result of a collision compared to when they are retained in the car* – figures which starkly highlight the dangers of an improperly fitted windscreen which may not stay in place as a result of the impact.
- If the windscreen comes out of the vehicle during a roll-over, the likelihood of the roof of the vehicle being displaced towards the occupants can increase by up to 30%.
- Airbags are vital car safety features which stop the vehicle’s occupants from colliding with hard portions of the car in the event of a crash. Without the cushioning support of the airbags, you will collide with the steering wheel, the dashboard, the windscreen etc. The windscreen helps to ensure that the airbag is correctly positioned when it inflates (which it does very quickly and forcefully) and that it inflates in the right direction. These are critical factors in helping to prevent severe injuries. If the windscreen isn’t fitted properly and pops out during an accident as a result of the considerable pressure from the airbag – it will completely negate the safety aspects of both the airbag and the windscreen.
- If you have an accident involving a pedestrian, the risk of injury to the driver, passengers and the pedestrian will increase if your vehicle’s windscreen isn’t properly bonded and is displaced on impact.
It’s obvious that the implications of having a windscreen that hasn’t been properly installed are serious and even life-threatening.
Luckily, there are laws in Australia designed to protect people’s safety in cars and on the roads and only licensed repairers are legally allowed to carry out windscreen repairs and replacements. Any material used, including the glazing adhesive as well as any work that is done have to comply with strict standards – but it is always worth double-checking the credentials and reputation of the person or company doing your windscreen repair or replacement to ensure that you’re not compromising your safety in any way.
So, if you need your windscreen repaired or replaced, don’t delay as you may be at risk. Call the experts, Autoscreens and get fast, professional, mobile service at a great price. For 24 hour windscreen repair and replacement in Perth, call Jason on 0400 200 086
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.