Being trapped inside a car after an accident is a terrifying thought. Whether your vehicle is overturned or submerged underwater, the situation demands a swift and effective response. While these scenarios are thankfully not everyday occurrences, with approximately 8,000 submersion-related crashes in 2017, compared to a higher frequency of rollover accidents, preparedness is paramount. Having a Car Safety Tool readily available and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death in critical moments.
AAA’s extensive research has shed light on the effectiveness of car escape tools, specifically testing their ability to break through different types of vehicle window glass: tempered and laminated. Their findings are crucial for every driver to understand when considering car safety.
Understanding Car Window Glass: Tempered vs. Laminated
The key finding from the AAA report is that car escape tools are effective on tempered glass windows but ineffective on laminated glass. In their tests involving six different car escape tools, AAA researchers discovered that while four tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. The laminated glass merely cracked but remained intact, even after repeated attempts. Interestingly, spring-loaded tools proved more efficient at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools.
This distinction is vital because modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with laminated side windows. These windows, designed to enhance safety by preventing occupant ejection during collisions, are becoming more common. In fact, about one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows.
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 Glass Type
Knowing whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or unclear, contacting your vehicle manufacturer is recommended. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of both types of glass, with laminated glass often used in front side windows and tempered glass in rear side windows.
Essential Steps for Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises these crucial steps:
Prepare in Advance:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember that standard car safety tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Car Safety Tool: Keep a car safety tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have practiced with beforehand, and can easily access in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often available as keychains for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains accessible during a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Create a clear exit strategy and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This will minimize confusion during an emergency, saving valuable time. Also, have a backup plan in case your car safety tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped:
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E steps for escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is critical, maintain composure to ensure a safe and efficient escape for everyone.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to exit the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: If possible, roll down a window. However, if submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window opens. If the window is jammed and you have tempered glass, use your car safety tool to break a side window for escape. If submerged and windows are inoperable or laminated:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle is fully submerged and the air has escaped. The pressure should then equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door.
- Note that hammer-style tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location.
- Call 911: While typically the first step in an emergency, in situations like submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for emergency services.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Car Safety Tools
As John Nielsen wisely stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, especially the type of glass in your side windows, and being prepared with a car safety tool and a plan can significantly enhance your safety in an emergency. Equip yourself with the right car safety tools and the knowledge to use them effectively – it’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind on the road.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this list of vehicles with laminated side windows.
