The thought of being trapped can trigger immediate panic. Now, picture this: you’re stuck in your car, upside down, or rapidly sinking in water. It’s a terrifying scenario, thankfully rare. While vehicle submersion accidents occurred an estimated 8,000 times in 2017, rollovers were significantly more frequent. In any vehicle emergency, including these less common but critical situations, staying calm, having a plan, and equipping your vehicle with a car rescue tool can be the difference between life and death.
The Effectiveness of Car Rescue Tools: What Research Shows
AAA conducted a research report to evaluate the effectiveness of car rescue tools in breaking different types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. Their tests on six different tools revealed some crucial findings. Only four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car side windows. However, none of the tools were effective against laminated glass. Laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety, cracked but remained intact even under repeated attempts to break it. Interestingly, the spring-loaded rescue tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to the hammer-style tools in these tests.
Alt: Car rescue tool testing on vehicle glass types, showing effectiveness on tempered glass and ineffectiveness on laminated glass during AAA research.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: Implications for Your Car Rescue Plan
The AAA study highlights the dual importance of carrying a car rescue tool and understanding your vehicle’s window composition. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are increasingly common in new vehicles. Approximately 1 in 3 vehicle models from 2018 onwards incorporate laminated side windows. This safety feature, while beneficial in preventing ejection during collisions, poses a challenge in emergency escape situations as it’s designed to be nearly unbreakable.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this critical detail: “To improve safety, more cars have laminated side windows – but a majority also have at least one window made of tempered glass.” He emphasizes the takeaway from their research: “vehicle rescue tools can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers know what type of side windows they have. Otherwise, they could waste precious seconds trying to break glass that will not shatter.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type: Tempered vs. Laminated
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated” glass. If the label is missing or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for definitive information. Keep in mind that some vehicles may have a mix of window types, such as tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Being informed about your car’s window type is a crucial step in emergency preparedness. Knowing this allows you to formulate an effective escape strategy and choose the right car rescue tool.
Alt: Car window label close-up showing glass type identification, crucial for car rescue tool effectiveness knowledge.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Plan
Preparation is key to increasing survival chances if you and your passengers become trapped in a vehicle. AAA strongly advises these proactive steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary emergency exit point. Remember that standard car rescue tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Rescue Tool: Keep a car rescue tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and ideally have practiced with beforehand. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure access during a collision.
- Plan Your Escape Route: Develop a clear exit strategy and communicate it to all passengers. This minimizes confusion during an emergency and speeds up evacuation. Also, have a backup plan in case your rescue tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped: The S-U-R-E Method
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E steps for escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is vital, act deliberately and cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window opens. If the window is stuck and you have tempered glass, use your car rescue tool to break a side window. For submerged vehicles:
- If windows are laminated and won’t break, move to the back of the vehicle or any air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Pressure equalization should then allow you to open a door and escape.
- Hammer-style rescue tools can be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Get out quickly and move everyone to a safe location away from the vehicle.
- Call 911: While normally the first step in emergencies, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for emergency services.
Conclusion: Knowledge and the Right Tools Save Lives
As John Nielsen from AAA stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, especially the type of glass in your side windows, significantly improves your preparedness for vehicle emergencies. Equipping your car with a reliable car rescue tool and knowing how and when to use it can be a true lifesaver. Be informed, be prepared, and drive safely.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this resource. (Link to external resource as in the original article)
