Being trapped in a vehicle after an accident is a terrifying scenario no driver wants to imagine. While car accidents are unpredictable, being prepared for emergencies can significantly increase your chances of survival. One crucial piece of safety equipment is a Window Break Tool For Cars, designed to help you quickly escape a vehicle if doors are jammed or inoperable. However, recent research reveals a critical detail that every driver needs to know: not all car windows are created equal, and consequently, not all window break tools are equally effective.
AAA’s groundbreaking study has shed light on the effectiveness of various window break tools for cars, testing their ability to shatter both tempered and laminated side windows. The findings are eye-opening: while these tools generally work on tempered glass, they are completely ineffective against laminated glass, which is increasingly common in modern vehicles. This revelation underscores the importance of understanding your car’s window type and choosing the right window break tool for cars to ensure your safety in an emergency.
Understanding Car Window Glass: Tempered vs. Laminated
To effectively utilize a window break tool for cars, it’s essential to understand the two main types of glass used in vehicle side windows: tempered and laminated.
Tempered Glass: This type of glass is designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces when broken. This is to prevent large, sharp shards that could cause serious injuries in an accident. Most older vehicles and many current models still utilize tempered glass for at least some side windows.
Laminated Glass: Laminated glass, on the other hand, is constructed with a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass. This design makes it significantly stronger and virtually shatterproof. Its primary purpose in vehicles is to prevent occupant ejection during collisions and to enhance vehicle security. The AAA study highlighted that window break tools for cars are ineffective against this type of glass. It’s becoming increasingly prevalent, with about 1 in 3 of 2018 vehicle models featuring laminated side windows.
Knowing the type of glass in your vehicle is the first step in emergency preparedness. You can usually determine the glass type by checking for a label in the bottom corner of your side windows. The label should clearly state “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If there’s no label or you’re unsure, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly. Be aware that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different windows (e.g., laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows).
The Effectiveness of Window Break Tools: AAA’s Shocking Findings
AAA’s research rigorously tested six readily available window break tools for cars – three spring-loaded and three hammer-style – to assess their ability to break through both tempered and laminated glass. The results were conclusive:
- Tempered Glass: Four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass. Spring-loaded tools proved to be more consistently effective than hammer-style tools in these tests.
- Laminated Glass: None of the tested window break tools for cars were able to penetrate laminated glass. The glass cracked but remained intact, even after multiple attempts.
These findings are crucial for drivers. If your vehicle has laminated side windows, relying solely on a standard window break tool for cars in an emergency could be a fatal mistake. You need to be aware of this limitation and have alternative escape strategies.
Choosing the Right Window Break Tool for Your Car and Situation
While standard window break tools for cars may not work on laminated glass, they remain effective for vehicles with tempered glass windows. When selecting a tool, consider these factors:
- Type of Glass: If you know your vehicle has tempered glass, a window break tool for cars is a valuable asset. If you have laminated glass, you’ll need to consider alternative escape methods, although having a tool for other windows (like the windshield which is typically laminated but might be breakable with specialized tools or in certain areas) could still be beneficial in some situations.
- Ease of Use: Choose a tool you feel comfortable handling and can use quickly in a stressful situation. Spring-loaded tools generally require less force than hammer-style tools.
- Accessibility and Storage: Keep your window break tool for cars in an easily accessible location within your vehicle, such as the glove compartment, center console, or attached to your keychain. Ensure it’s secure so it doesn’t become a projectile in a crash but is still readily available when needed.
AAA advises against choosing tools with unnecessary extra features like lights or chargers, as these don’t enhance the tool’s primary function – breaking windows. Focus on a tool that is robust and designed specifically for window breaking.
S-U-R-E: Your Emergency Escape Plan
Preparation is key to surviving a car emergency. AAA recommends the S-U-R-E plan to guide your escape if trapped in a vehicle:
- Stay Calm: Panic can hinder clear thinking. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Ensure everyone in the car is unbuckled and ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down the window. If it’s jammed or submerged, and you have tempered glass, use your window break tool for cars to shatter a side window. Remember, if submerged, water will rush in once the window is broken. If you have laminated glass and the window won’t open, move to the back of the vehicle where an air pocket may form as the car fills with water. Once the car is full of water, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door. Note that hammer-style tools might be harder to use underwater due to water resistance.
- Exit the Vehicle Quickly: Once a window is open or a door can be opened, evacuate immediately and help others to safety.
- Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services to report the accident and request assistance. In critical situations like submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for help.
Being informed and prepared is your best defense in a car emergency. Know your vehicle’s window type, equip yourself with an appropriate window break tool for cars if applicable, and have an escape plan. These steps can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
