Field of Vision
from the editor

Safety: An Everyday Issue
by Penny Stacey

We featured a look at the differences in original-equipment manufactured (OEM) and aftermarket glass on page 18 of our November/December 2010 issue, and the article generated so much response that a follow-up is included in this issue on page 24. However, the article creates as many questions as it does answers. No one really seems to know if, in the end, aftermarket glass can ever reach the same quality level as OEM glass. Industry expert Bob Beranek pointed out that there really are no specific standards created for aftermarket glass, as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 really was written specifically for
OEM manufacturers to utilize.

The collision repair industry currently is having the same debate. It seems the only thing upon which the automotive glass and the collision repair industries agree is that safety is the biggest issue. No matter who made the windshield or even how, it must be installed properly for the safety of consumers.

"It’s not just up to the AGRSS Council to promote this important issue; safety really is an everyday problem."

The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Council Inc. has devoted years and years of work to the issue of proper windshield installations; in fact, this year is the tenth anniversary of the date when the American National Standards Institute formally approved the Standard. And this year the group made a huge stride when it hired Dan Mock, formerly of Glass Doctor, to serve as business development director and work full-time at promoting the cause of safety inside and outside the industry.

But, it’s not just up to the AGRSS Council or Mock to promote this important issue; safety really is an everyday problem (and need), and it lies in each of our hands. Whether you’re installing a windshield and are tempted to take a shortcut, or are driving down the road and are tempted to answer an e-mail or text message, or even simply are tempted to exceed the speed limit, please keep safety at the forefront of your mind. I recently saw a headline that read “No Text Message is Worth a Life.” How true. And the same goes for a minute here or there—no shortcut is worth it either.

I’m sure if you’re reading this, you care about safety and your customers; but on page 32, in the interview with Mock, you’ll notice that he suggests promoting safety to your competitors, too. Make sure everyone in your community knows about the AGRSS Standard—not just your customers, but also your competitors.

Lastly, if you’re looking to learn more about ways to promote the Standard or want to learn more about safety, installation and
the industry’s other crucial issues, be sure to mark your calendars now for the upcoming Auto Glass Week™ event, September 15-17 in Memphis, Tenn. (see related story on page 30).

Penny Stacey is the editor of AGRR™ magazine.

AGRR
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