The thought of being trapped in a car is a terrifying one. Whether your vehicle is overturned or sinking, the panic can be overwhelming. While these extreme accidents are rare, with around 8,000 submersion crashes in 2017, compared to significantly more rollover accidents, preparedness is your best defense. Having a solid plan and equipping your car with the Best Car Safety Tools can dramatically improve your chances of survival in any emergency.
Recent research from AAA has shed light on the effectiveness of car escape tools, specifically their ability to break different types of car window glass. Their report highlights a critical distinction: car escape tools are effective on tempered glass windows, but fail to shatter laminated glass.
Understanding Car Escape Tool Effectiveness: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
To guide consumers in choosing the best car safety tool, AAA rigorously tested six different tools. The results were revealing. Only four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car windows. Crucially, none of the tools could break through laminated glass. Laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety, cracked under pressure but remained intact, preventing escape. The tests also indicated that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools.
This distinction is vital because the type of glass in your car windows directly impacts the effectiveness of a car escape tool. Knowing the difference can save precious seconds in an emergency situation.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
Compounding the issue 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 safety feature, while excellent for preventing ejection during collisions, presents a significant challenge during emergencies requiring window breaking for escape.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, explains, “More cars feature laminated side windows for enhanced safety, yet most still include tempered glass windows. Our research confirms that vehicle escape tools can be invaluable in emergencies, but only if drivers are aware of their car’s side window type. Otherwise, valuable time could be wasted attempting to break unbreakable laminated glass.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly state “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is absent or unclear, contact your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different window locations – for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Understanding your car’s window composition is a fundamental step in emergency preparedness, ensuring you know the best escape strategy and the effectiveness of your chosen car safety tool.
Emergency Preparedness: Three Essential Steps
Being prepared for a car emergency significantly increases survival odds, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises these three crucial steps:
1. Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If at least one window is tempered, identify it as your primary escape point. Remember, standard car escape tools will not break laminated glass.
2. Equip Your Car with a Reliable Escape Tool: Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using, have tested (if possible and safe to do so on a test piece of glass, never on your car window), and is easy to reach in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools, often available as keychains, are recommended. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access during a collision.
3. Plan Your Escape Route: Develop and communicate an escape plan to all vehicle occupants. This proactive step minimizes confusion during a crisis, potentially saving critical time. Also, consider a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method: A Step-by-Step Guide
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
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Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, maintain composure to make clear decisions and ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and confirm everyone is ready to evacuate when the moment arrives.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window opens. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your car escape tool to break a side window. Important considerations for submerged vehicles:
- If windows are laminated and unbreakable, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the car completely fills with water. This pressure equalization should allow a door to be opened for escape.
- Hammer-style escape tools may be significantly harder to use effectively underwater due to water resistance. Spring-loaded tools may be more practical in such conditions.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, evacuate quickly and move everyone to a safe location.
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Call 911: While normally the first step in any emergency, prioritize immediate escape if the vehicle is on fire or submerged before contacting emergency services.
Knowledge is the Best Car Safety Tool
“Knowledge is power, and a deeper understanding of your vehicle – particularly the type of side window glass – is the ultimate car safety tool,” concludes Nielsen. Being informed and prepared is the most effective way to enhance your safety and the safety of your passengers in a car emergency.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, please refer to this document.
