America’s Big Rig Truckers Get The ‘10-4’ From the DOT For Window Film Use In Cabs To Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Via WSJ

WASHINGTON, Apr 03, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced today that millions of commercial truck drivers on big rigs can now use window film on the cab’s side windows to keep them safe from the sun’s UVA rays, which have been linked to skin cancer.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA), clarification to safety regulations relating to a truck’s window visibility now allows the use of compliant window films on big rigs, according to the IWFA. Historically, the enforcement community and the trucking industry have taken the position that no film is allowed on any commercial vehicle.

“The clarification represents information that impacts millions of truck drivers who drive many hours at a stretch in ‘big rigs’ weighing more than 26,000 pounds,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “The FMCSA has agreed with the International Window Film Association that the use of ‘clear’ window films with a minimum 70 percent visibility rating installed on the front side windows is permitted,” he added. “Sadly long-haul drivers, have faced skin cancer as ‘one of the hazards of the job’ and we hope to help change that with this clarification,” said Smith.

The change in what is permitted follows numerous reports of higher than average rates of skin cancer on the left side of the face and arm, according to a 2011 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. That article pointed to driver-side UVA exposure as a likely contributor to the disease.

"The health and safety of America's truck drivers is of the utmost importance to American Trucking Associations," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "Whether it is doing more to battle obesity and sleep apnea, or helping our drivers avoid skin cancer, ATA has consistently advocated for sensible regulations to ensure our drivers get and stay healthy. We appreciate the efforts of the IWFA to help our industry take another step in that direction," he added.

Professionally installed window film typically reduces exposure to UV radiation by up to 99 percent, reduces glare, interior fading and hot spots. In personal vehicles many jurisdictions have legislation that specifies, and may limit, what can be applied to the windows. For further information go to http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/Automotive.aspx .