Accidents are unpredictable, and the thought of being trapped inside a vehicle after a crash is terrifying. Imagine being stuck in a car that’s flipped upside down or rapidly filling with water. While these scenarios are thankfully rare, with approximately 8,000 vehicle submersion incidents in 2017, compared to a much higher number of rollover accidents, preparedness is key. Having an Emergency Escape Tool For Car readily available can be the difference between life and death in such critical situations.
The Reality of Car Escape Tools: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
AAA’s research has shed light on the effectiveness of emergency escape tools for cars. In a comprehensive study, six different tools were tested on both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The findings were eye-opening: while four of the tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Laminated glass, even when cracked, remained intact, highlighting a crucial limitation of standard car escape tools. Interestingly, spring-loaded tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows during these rigorous tests.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows and What It Means for Your Escape Plan
It’s increasingly important for drivers to understand the type of side window glass their car has – tempered or laminated. Modern vehicles are incorporating laminated side windows at an increasing rate. In fact, about one in three 2018 vehicle models feature laminated side windows. This safety feature, designed to prevent ejection during collisions, presents a challenge when using a standard emergency escape tool for car.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To improve safety, more cars have laminated side windows – but a majority also have at least one window made of tempered glass. Our research found that generally vehicle escape 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’s Window Type: Tempered or Laminated
Determining your vehicle’s side window type is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of the side windows. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or unclear, contacting your car manufacturer is recommended. Keep in mind that some vehicles might have different types of glass in different locations, such as tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front. Knowing this distinction is vital when planning your emergency escape strategy and utilizing your emergency escape tool for car effectively.
Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared can significantly increase survival chances if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises these three crucial steps:
1. Know Your Glass Type:
Memorize whether your car windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has tempered glass windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember, standard emergency escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
2. Equip Your Vehicle with a Reliable Escape Tool:
Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and consider practicing with it beforehand (though not on your car windows!). Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience. Mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column ensures it remains within reach even during a collision.
3. Plan Your Escape Route:
Develop an exit strategy and communicate it with all passengers. This pre-planning minimizes confusion and wasted time during an emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case the emergency escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a safe exit:
- Stay Calm: Time is critical, but panic can hinder clear thinking. Act quickly yet cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe escape.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break Window: If possible, roll down a window. However, if submerged, opening a window will rapidly flood the car. If windows are inoperable and made of tempered glass, use your emergency escape tool for car to break a side window. Remember, for submerged vehicles:
- If windows won’t open or break (laminated glass), move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay there until the car is completely filled with water, equalizing pressure and potentially allowing door opening.
- Hammer-style car escape tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
- Exit Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle swiftly and move to a safe location.
- Call 911: While usually the first step in emergencies, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is submerged or on fire. Call for emergency services once safely out of the vehicle.
Knowledge is Your Best Defense
As John Nielsen emphasizes, “Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their car – like what type of glass their side windows are made of – the better prepared they will be in the event of an emergency.” Investing in an emergency escape tool for car and taking the time to understand your vehicle’s safety features can significantly enhance your and your passengers’ safety in unforeseen critical situations.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this list of vehicles with laminated side windows.
