Last year, over 100 million people headed out on the roads for holiday travel, according to AAA. With gasoline prices continuing to slide, the highways look to be busier than ever this year. Of course, before you back out of the driveway, you’ll want to check the tires, brakes and oil as part of the usual safety checks. But drivers should also make sure they take the precaution of adding professionally installed window film to their vehicles to protect themselves and their passengers, as well as interiors, from the dangers of UV rays.

The sun may feel pleasant as it streams through a car’s windows on the way to Grandma’s house, but many drivers are unaware that the sun’s harmful UV rays can be damaging to the skin and eyes, especially with prolonged exposure over time. Motorists can be harmed by UV light as it passes right through unprotected side and rear windows. But properly installed automotive window film can help to protect eyes and skin from the cumulative effects of UV rays, which the U.S. Surgeon General has called a “known carcinogen.” In fact, the IWFA recommends professionally installed window film for all automobiles, because window film filters 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays while untreated windows block only about 25 percent of UV rays.

Throughout the year, window film offers many more benefits than protection from damaging UV rays. Window film provides up to 55 percent rejection of solar heat, making car air conditioners more effective and efficient. That means passengers won’t feel those hot spots when the sun shines in the windows. There’s also less eye fatigue for drivers, thanks to window film offering reduced glare from sunlight. Additionally, in the event of an accident or sudden impact, window film may help to hold glass shards together and keep them from flying into the vehicle.

So as you head out for the holidays, keep in mind that professionally installed automotive window film offers an additional layer of safety as you drive to your celebrations by helping protect you and your passengers and making the vehicle more comfortable.

For more information on the benefits of professionally installed window film, visit www.iwfa.com. To find a local accredited window film installer near you, visit our Business Locator!