Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Panic sets in as you realize precious seconds are ticking away, whether your vehicle is overturned or submerged. While these scenarios are, thankfully, rare, being prepared for any car emergency is not just prudent – it’s potentially life-saving. In 2017 alone, while submersion accidents accounted for around 8,000 crashes, rollover crashes were ten times more frequent. The key to survival in such critical situations, or any vehicle-related emergency, boils down to remaining calm, having a well-thought-out plan, and equipping your car with essential safety tools, most importantly, a reliable Escape Tool For Car.
Recent research from AAA has shed light on the effectiveness of car escape tools, specifically examining their ability to break through different types of vehicle window glass: tempered and laminated. Their findings are crucial for every driver to understand before choosing and relying on a car escape tool.
Understanding Car Escape Tools and Their Effectiveness
A car escape tool is designed as a last resort to quickly exit a vehicle in an emergency. AAA’s comprehensive testing of six different tools aimed to determine just how effective these devices are against both tempered and laminated glass. The results were revealing. Researchers discovered that only four out of the six tools tested were successful in shattering tempered glass. More alarmingly, none of the tools could effectively break laminated glass; instead, the glass would crack but remain intact, obstructing escape. Further tests indicated that spring-loaded escape tools for cars outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows, suggesting a potentially more reliable mechanism in emergency situations.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Know Your Car Windows
AAA’s study underscores the vital importance of having a car escape tool readily available in your vehicle. However, it also highlights a critical knowledge gap among drivers: understanding the type of side window glass their car has – tempered or laminated. Unbeknownst to many, an increasing number of new vehicles are being manufactured with laminated side windows. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated this nearly unbreakable glass, primarily designed to prevent occupant ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To enhance safety, more vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows. However, the majority still include at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further emphasizes, “Our research demonstrates that vehicle escape tools can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers are aware of their side window type. Otherwise, they risk wasting critical seconds attempting to break glass that is inherently shatter-resistant.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a small label. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is absent or there is no label, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It is also essential to be aware that some vehicles may have different types of glass in varying locations – for instance, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front side windows. Knowing the glass configuration of your specific vehicle is a crucial step in emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness: More Than Just an Escape Tool
Being well-prepared in a vehicle emergency dramatically increases the chances of survival, particularly if you and your passengers become trapped. Beyond simply owning a car escape tool, AAA strongly advises drivers to take proactive steps to enhance their emergency readiness:
Do These Three Things to Be Ready in Case of Emergency
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Memorize Your Window Type: Know whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Critically, remember that standard escape tools for cars will not break laminated glass.
- Keep an Accessible and Tested Escape Tool: Choose a car escape tool that you are comfortable using and, ideally, have tested beforehand (perhaps on a piece of scrap tempered glass under controlled conditions to understand its operation). Ensure the tool is easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools often come with keychain attachments for convenience, or you can mount the tool to your dashboard or steering column to secure its location during a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy: Plan your emergency exit strategy in advance and discuss it with all regular passengers. This pre-planning can prevent confusion and wasted time during a real emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case your escape tool for car is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do if Trapped in a Vehicle: The S-U-R-E Method
If you find yourself trapped in a vehicle, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
-
Stay Calm: Although time is critical, maintaining composure is paramount. Work swiftly but cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit from the vehicle.
-
Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and confirm that everyone is ready to exit the car as soon as possible.
-
Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. However, remember that if your car is submerged, opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window won’t open and you have tempered glass, use your car escape tool to break a side window for escape. If the vehicle is submerged and a window cannot be opened or broken (due to laminated glass), move to the rear of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water. Once the pressure equalizes, you may be able to open a door and escape. Be aware that hammer-style escape tools for cars might be more difficult to swing effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
-
Exit the Vehicle Quickly: Once an escape route is clear, exit the vehicle rapidly and move everyone to a safe location away from immediate danger.
-
Call 911: While typically the first step in most emergencies, if your vehicle is submerged or on fire, prioritize escape before contacting emergency services. Call for help once you are safely out of the vehicle.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Defenses
As John Nielsen from AAA wisely stated, “Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their cars – such as the type of glass in their side windows – the better prepared they will be in the event of an emergency.” Investing in a car escape tool is a valuable step, but it is only one part of a comprehensive vehicle safety strategy. Understanding your car’s window type, practicing your escape plan, and ensuring your escape tool for car is readily accessible are all crucial elements in maximizing your safety and survival chances in a vehicle emergency. Take the time to learn about your vehicle and prepare for the unexpected – it could make all the difference.
Source: AAA Research Report – Vehicle Escape Tools [Link to AAA Research Report]
