Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Panic sets in as you realize the doors are jammed, or worse, your vehicle is submerged in water. While these scenarios are rare, preparedness is paramount. In 2017 alone, thousands of vehicles were submerged in water after crashes, and rollovers were even more frequent. Having a plan and the right tools, specifically a Tool To Shatter Car Window, can be the difference between life and death.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of car escape tools, particularly when it comes to different types of car window glass. Their findings are crucial for every driver to understand, especially regarding the tool to shatter car window effectively.
Understanding Car Escape Tools and Window Types
AAA’s comprehensive study rigorously tested six different car escape tools to assess their ability to break both tempered and laminated car windows. The results were eye-opening:
- Tempered Glass: Four out of the six tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass windows.
- Laminated Glass: Alarmingly, none of the tools were able to break through laminated glass. Even when cracked, laminated glass remained intact.
- Spring-Loaded vs. Hammer-Style: The study indicated that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at shattering tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools.
Alt text: A close-up of a spring-loaded car escape tool, designed to quickly shatter tempered car windows in emergency situations.
This research underscores two critical points: first, a tool to shatter car window can be highly effective in an emergency, but only if you have the right type of window. Second, drivers must know what kind of side windows their car has.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
The automotive industry is constantly evolving to enhance safety. One such advancement is the increasing use of laminated side windows in new vehicles. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This type of glass is designed to be nearly unbreakable, primarily to prevent occupant ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, explains, “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.”
Alt text: A detailed view of a car window label clearly marked ‘TEMPERED’, showing how to identify this type of safety glass.
Identifying Your Car Window Type
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should explicitly state “TEMPERED” or “LAMINATED”. If the information is unclear or there’s no label, contacting your vehicle manufacturer is advisable. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of both types of glass, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Plan
Being prepared for a car emergency significantly increases your chances of survival. AAA strongly recommends these crucial steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. Identify which windows, if any, are tempered, as these will be your primary escape points in an emergency when using a tool to shatter car window. Remember, standard escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with an Escape Tool: Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and, ideally, practice with it beforehand (on a safe, appropriate material, not your car window!). Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience, or you can mount them on your dashboard or steering column for easy reach.
- Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy: Create an emergency exit plan and discuss it with all passengers. This ensures everyone knows what to do, minimizing confusion and wasted time during a critical situation. Include a backup plan in case your tool to shatter car window is unusable or ineffective.
Alt text: A visual guide depicting the S-U-R-E method for car escape, emphasizing each step from staying calm to exiting the vehicle safely.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method:
In a vehicle emergency, remember the S-U-R-E steps to escape:
- Stay Calm: While time is critical, maintain composure to act decisively and safely.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Ensure everyone unbuckles their seatbelts and is ready to exit the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in once the window opens. If the window is jammed or laminated, and you have tempered glass, use your tool to shatter car window to break a side window.
- Submerged Vehicle Considerations:
- If windows are inoperable and laminated, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay with it until the vehicle is completely filled with water. The pressure should equalize, potentially allowing a door to open.
- Hammer-style escape tools might be harder to use underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Submerged Vehicle Considerations:
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move to a safe location.
- Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services. In immediate life-threatening situations like submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for help.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Key
As John Nielsen aptly stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, particularly the type of glass in your side windows, and possessing a tool to shatter car window when appropriate, combined with a well-rehearsed escape plan, can significantly enhance your safety and survival in a car emergency. Prepare today to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.
References:
- AAA Research Report: Research-Report-Vehicle-Escape-Tools.pdf
- List of Vehicles with Laminated Side Windows: Laminated-Glass-Vehicle-List.pdf
