Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car, perhaps upside down after a collision, or worse, sinking in water. Panic is a natural reaction, but in these critical moments, staying calm and being prepared is paramount. While such accidents are statistically rare, with around 8,000 vehicle submersion incidents in 2017 compared to far more frequent rollover crashes, the risk, however small, underscores the importance of having a plan and the right tools, specifically an Emergency Car Tool.
Understanding the effectiveness of emergency car tools is crucial. AAA (American Automobile Association) conducted a research report to evaluate these tools, revealing important insights about their capabilities against different types of car window glass.
Are Emergency Car Tools Effective? AAA Research Findings
AAA’s comprehensive testing of six emergency car tools provided valuable data on their performance against tempered and laminated glass. The research highlighted that while four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Laminated glass, even when cracked, remained intact. Interestingly, spring-loaded emergency car tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools during the tests.
This distinction is vital because the type of glass in your car windows directly impacts the effectiveness of an emergency car tool.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
It’s increasingly important for drivers to know what type of side window glass their vehicle has – tempered or laminated. AAA’s study not only emphasizes the need for an emergency car tool but also the critical knowledge of your vehicle’s window composition. A significant number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 models, are equipped with laminated side windows. This nearly unbreakable glass is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of ejection during a crash.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out, “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 Window Type: Tempered or Laminated
Determining your car’s side window glass type is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of the side window. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is missing or there’s no label, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. Keep in mind that some vehicles may have different glass types in different locations, for example, tempered glass in rear side windows and laminated in the front.
Emergency Preparedness: Key Steps to Take Now
Being prepared can significantly increase survival chances if you become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take these proactive steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparations:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary emergency exit point. Remember that standard emergency car tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with an Emergency Car Tool: Keep an emergency car tool in your car that you are comfortable using. Practice using it beforehand to build familiarity and confidence. Ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency – spring-loaded tools often come with keychains for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column to keep it secure during a collision.
- Develop an Escape Plan: Plan your exit strategy in advance and discuss it with all passengers. This minimizes confusion during an emergency and speeds up the evacuation process. Also, have a backup plan in case your emergency car tool is unusable or ineffective.
The SURE Method: Your Escape Strategy
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E steps to guide your escape:
- Stay Calm: While time is critical, remain calm and act deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If submerged, remember that water will rush in rapidly once the window is open. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your emergency car tool to break a side window. If submerged and unable to break a laminated window, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket and stay there until the vehicle is completely filled with water. This pressure equalization may allow you to open a door. Note that hammer-style emergency car tools can be harder to use underwater than spring-loaded types.
- Exit the Vehicle: Exit quickly and move everyone to a safe location.
- Call 911: While normally the first step in an emergency, 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 Emergency Car Tool
As John Nielsen from AAA emphasized, “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.” Having an emergency car tool is a vital part of vehicle safety, but knowing when and how to use it, and understanding your car’s specific features, can truly make the difference in a crisis.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this resource.
