Imagine the terrifying scenario: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Panic sets in, especially if the vehicle is submerged or overturned. While these situations are rare, preparation is key. In 2017 alone, there were around 8,000 vehicle submersion incidents, and rollovers are even more frequent. Having the Best Rescue Tool For Car readily available and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death.
AAA conducted a research report evaluating the effectiveness of various car escape tools. Their findings highlight crucial information for every driver.
Understanding Car Escape Tool Effectiveness: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
When it comes to car windows, there are two main types: tempered and laminated. Tempered glass, commonly used in side and rear windows, is designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. Laminated glass, often found in windshields and increasingly in side windows, is constructed with a plastic layer between two layers of glass, making it significantly stronger and resistant to shattering.
AAA’s testing of six different car escape tools revealed that only four were capable of breaking tempered glass. Alarmingly, none of the tools could effectively penetrate laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass would crack but remain intact, posing a significant challenge in an emergency. The research also indicated that spring-loaded tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows. This distinction is vital when choosing the best rescue tool for car.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows and Its Implications
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with laminated side windows to enhance safety by preventing occupant ejection during collisions. In fact, approximately one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. While this is a positive safety development, it also presents a challenge for car escape tools. Drivers may mistakenly rely on a tool that is ineffective against laminated glass, wasting precious seconds in a critical situation.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, emphasizes this point: “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: A Simple Safety Check
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Simply check the label located in the bottom corner of each side window. The label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is missing or unclear, contact your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of window types, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Knowing the glass type for each window is crucial for selecting the best rescue tool for car and planning your escape strategy.
Emergency Preparedness: Key Steps for Vehicle Safety
Being well-prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases your chances of survival. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
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Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If there’s at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point. Remember that standard escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
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Equip Your Vehicle with the Best Rescue Tool for Car: Choose a car escape tool that you are comfortable using, have tested beforehand (if possible on scrap tempered glass under safe conditions and following manufacturer’s instructions), and can easily access in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are generally more effective on tempered glass. Consider tools that can be attached to your keychain, dashboard, or steering column for immediate accessibility.
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Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy: Plan your escape route in advance and discuss it with all passengers. This proactive approach minimizes confusion and delays during an emergency. Also, have a backup plan in case your primary escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method: Actions to Take If Trapped
In a vehicle emergency, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
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Stay Calm: While urgency is paramount, maintaining composure is crucial for effective action and ensuring everyone’s safety.
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Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately release all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If the car is submerged, remember that opening a window will cause water to rush in quickly. If the window is jammed or the car has tempered glass and is not laminated, use your best rescue tool for car to break a side window for escape. In a submersion scenario where windows are inoperable or laminated:
- If windows cannot be opened or broken, move to the rear of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Once the pressure equalizes, you should be able to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style escape tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
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Exit the Vehicle Quickly and Safely: Once an escape route is open, evacuate the vehicle rapidly and move to a safe location.
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Call 911: While contacting emergency services is typically the first step in most emergencies, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, immediate escape takes precedence. Call for help once you are safely out of the vehicle.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Allies
As John Nielsen from AAA wisely stated, “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.” Choosing the best rescue tool for car is an essential part of this preparation. By understanding your vehicle’s window type, equipping yourself with an effective escape tool, and having a pre-planned strategy, you significantly enhance your safety and ability to respond effectively in a car emergency.
