Imagine the unthinkable: being trapped in your car after an accident. Whether your vehicle is submerged underwater or overturned, panic can set in quickly. While these scenarios are rare, with around 8,000 submersion crashes in 2017, and rollover accidents being ten times more frequent, being prepared for any car emergency is crucial. A key component of this preparedness is having an Emergency Escape Car Tool readily available in your vehicle.
Understanding Emergency Escape Car Tools: What You Need to Know
Emergency escape car tools are designed to be lifesavers in situations where your car windows or seatbelts become barriers to escape. These tools are specifically engineered to quickly break tempered glass windows and cut through seatbelts, allowing you and your passengers to exit the vehicle rapidly in critical moments.
AAA Research: Testing the Effectiveness of Car Escape Tools
To provide drivers with reliable information, AAA conducted a comprehensive research report to evaluate the effectiveness of various car escape tools. The research rigorously tested six different tools on both tempered and laminated glass, the two types of side windows commonly found in vehicles.
The findings were revealing:
- Tempered Glass: AAA researchers discovered that only four out of the six tools tested were successful in shattering tempered glass. Importantly, spring-loaded tools proved to be more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools.
- Laminated Glass: None of the tested tools were able to break through laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, the laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking but not shattering.
This research underscores a critical point: the effectiveness of an emergency escape car tool is highly dependent on the type of glass in your car windows.
The Growing Presence of Laminated Side Windows
An important takeaway from the AAA study is the increasing use of laminated side windows in modern vehicles. Approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This type of glass is designed for enhanced safety, primarily to prevent occupant ejection during collisions, as it is significantly stronger and harder to break than tempered glass.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, highlights 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 Type: Tempered or Laminated
Knowing whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is essential for effective emergency preparedness. Fortunately, determining your window type is straightforward:
- Check the Window Label: Look for a label located in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.”
- Contact the Manufacturer: If the label is unclear or missing, or if you need further clarification, contact your vehicle manufacturer directly.
It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have a combination of window types, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Therefore, check each side window individually.
Being Prepared: Your Emergency Action Plan
Preparation is paramount in any emergency situation. AAA strongly recommends these steps to enhance your safety in a car emergency:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. Identify which windows, if any, are tempered, as these will be your primary escape points if you carry a standard emergency escape car tool. Remember that standard tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with an Escape Tool: Keep an emergency escape car tool in your car that you are comfortable using. Practice using it beforehand to ensure you are familiar with its operation. Choose a tool that is easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often recommended and some come with keychain attachments for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access even after a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy: Plan your escape route in advance and discuss it with all passengers. This will minimize confusion and wasted time during a real emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The “S-U-R-E” Method for Car Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is critical, maintain composure to make rational decisions and ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If the car is sinking, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your emergency escape car tool to break a side window. If submerged and windows are inoperable or laminated:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water.
- Once fully submerged, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style tools can be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Once an escape route is clear, exit the vehicle quickly and move 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, then call for emergency services.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Defenses
As John Nielsen stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, particularly the type of side windows it has, and being equipped with an emergency escape car tool, are vital steps towards enhancing your safety on the road. By taking proactive measures and preparing for potential emergencies, you significantly increase your chances of survival in critical situations. Invest in your safety – know your car, equip yourself with an emergency escape car tool, and have a plan.
