Being trapped in a car is a frightening thought, whether it’s overturned after an accident or sinking in water. While these kinds of incidents are statistically less frequent than other types of collisions, the risk is very real. In 2017 alone, thousands of vehicles were submerged, highlighting the critical need for preparedness. The key to survival in such emergencies, or any vehicle-related crisis, lies in maintaining composure, having a well-thought-out plan, and equipping your car with a reliable Car Rescue Tool.
Recent research by AAA has shed light on the effectiveness of these tools, specifically examining their ability to break through different types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. Their findings are crucial for any driver considering purchasing a car rescue tool.
AAA Research Highlights Car Rescue Tool Performance on Different Glass Types
AAA’s comprehensive study evaluated six different car rescue tools to determine their efficacy in breaking both tempered and laminated automotive glass. The results were revealing: only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, while none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after repeated attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under pressure. Interestingly, the research indicated that spring-loaded car rescue tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows.
This research underscores two vital points for drivers. Firstly, having a car rescue tool readily available is a sensible safety precaution. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, understanding the type of glass in your vehicle’s side windows – tempered or laminated – is paramount. This knowledge can be the difference between a swift escape and a potentially fatal delay during an emergency.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows and Its Impact on Car Escape Strategies
Many drivers are unaware that an increasing number of new vehicles are being manufactured with laminated side windows. In fact, as many as one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated this type of glass. Laminated glass, designed to minimize occupant ejection during accidents, is significantly stronger and virtually shatterproof.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair at AAA, explains, “The automotive industry’s move towards laminated side windows is a positive step for overall safety. However, it also introduces a critical consideration for emergency preparedness. While many newer cars have laminated side windows for enhanced safety, the majority still include at least one window made of tempered glass. Our research clearly demonstrates that car rescue tools can be invaluable in an emergency, but only if drivers are aware of their vehicle’s window composition. Attempting to break laminated glass with a standard car rescue tool in a critical situation will unfortunately be futile and waste precious time.”
Determining Your Vehicle’s Window Type: A Simple Safety Check
Fortunately, identifying the type of glass in your car’s side windows is a straightforward process. Simply look for a label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should explicitly state whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is absent or the information is unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have a combination of glass types, for example, laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Therefore, checking each window is advisable.
Emergency Preparedness: Key Steps for Vehicle Escape
Being prepared for a vehicle emergency significantly increases your chances of survival, particularly if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises all drivers to take the following proactive steps:
Three Essential Preparations for Vehicle Emergencies:
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Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Crucially, remember that standard car rescue tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
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Equip Your Car with a Car Rescue Tool: Keep a car rescue tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have tested (if possible and safe to do so), and can access easily in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often integrated into keychains for convenient carry. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains within reach even during a collision.
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Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Create a clear exit strategy and discuss it with all regular passengers in your vehicle. This pre-planning can prevent confusion and wasted time during a real emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case your car rescue tool is inaccessible or malfunctions.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape in an Emergency
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E approach to guide your escape:
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Stay Calm: While speed is important, maintaining composure is crucial. Act deliberately and efficiently to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. However, be aware that if the vehicle is submerged, opening a window will allow water to rush in rapidly. If the window is inoperable, and you have tempered glass, use your car rescue tool to break a side window for escape. If submerged and windows are laminated and unbreakable, move to the rear of the vehicle or any available air pocket and wait until the vehicle is fully submerged. Once the pressure equalizes, you may be able to open a door and escape. Note that hammer-style car rescue tools may be more difficult to use underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, evacuate the vehicle quickly and move to a safe location.
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Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services. While calling 911 is usually the first step in emergencies, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, immediate escape takes precedence.
As Mr. Nielsen emphasizes, “Knowledge empowers drivers. The more drivers understand about their vehicles, including the type of glass in their side windows, the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations effectively.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, you can refer to resources provided by organizations like AAA. Equipping yourself with a car rescue tool and understanding your vehicle’s safety features are vital steps in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers on the road.
