Imagine the unthinkable – being trapped in your car after an accident. Whether your vehicle is submerged underwater or overturned, the ability to escape quickly is paramount. While these scenarios are fortunately rare, occurring in an estimated 8,000 crashes in 2017 involving submersion, compared to significantly more rollover accidents, preparedness is key. Having a reliable Breaking Car Window Tool readily available can be the difference between life and death in such critical situations.
AAA research has rigorously tested car escape tools, providing valuable insights into their effectiveness. Their report highlights a crucial distinction: while these tools are generally effective at shattering tempered glass, they are ineffective against laminated windows, which are increasingly common in modern vehicles.
Understanding Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
The effectiveness of a breaking car window tool hinges on the type of glass in your car windows. Most vehicles use tempered glass for side and rear windows, designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. This is the type of glass that car escape tools are designed to break.
However, a growing number of newer vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 models from 2018 onwards, are equipped with laminated side windows. Laminated glass, similar to windshields, consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This construction makes it significantly stronger and virtually shatterproof, designed to prevent occupant ejection during collisions. Standard breaking car window tools are ineffective against laminated glass; they may crack it, but not shatter it to allow for escape.
“To enhance safety, more vehicles are incorporating laminated side windows, yet a significant portion still utilize tempered glass in at least one window,” notes John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair at AAA. “Our research indicates that vehicle escape tools can be valuable in emergencies, but only if drivers are aware of their side window type. Otherwise, precious seconds could be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type
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 indicate “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If the label is absent or unclear, contacting your vehicle manufacturer or dealer is recommended. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of both types of glass, for example, laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Knowing the glass type for each window is crucial for effective emergency planning.
Choosing and Using a Breaking Car Window Tool
When selecting a breaking car window tool, consider the two primary types: spring-loaded and hammer-style tools. AAA’s testing indicated that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools. Spring-loaded tools utilize a spring mechanism to deliver a concentrated impact to the glass, while hammer-style tools rely on manual force.
For optimal accessibility in an emergency, keep your breaking car window tool in a readily accessible location. Many spring-loaded tools come with a keychain attachment, allowing you to keep it with your car keys. Alternatively, you can mount the tool to your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access during a collision. Familiarize yourself with how your chosen tool works and even practice using it on a safe, non-essential piece of tempered glass to build confidence and proficiency.
Emergency Preparedness: The S-U-R-E Escape Method
Being prepared is paramount. AAA recommends these crucial steps to enhance your safety in a vehicle emergency:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. Identify which windows, if any, are tempered, as these will be your primary escape points. Remember that standard breaking car window tools will not work on laminated glass.
- Tool Accessibility: Keep a breaking car window tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have tested, and can easily reach in an emergency.
- Escape Plan: Develop and communicate an exit strategy to all vehicle occupants. This pre-planning will minimize confusion and expedite escape during a critical event. Also, have a backup plan in case the tool is unusable or ineffective.
If Trapped in a Vehicle – Remember S-U-R-E:
- Stay Calm: While speed is essential, maintain composure to ensure a safe and efficient escape for everyone.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to exit the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is inoperable and made of tempered glass, use your breaking car window tool to shatter a side window for escape. If the window is laminated and cannot be broken, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket and wait for pressure to equalize to potentially open a door. Note that hammer-style tools may be harder to use underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move to a safe location.
- Call 911: After ensuring immediate safety, call emergency services. In situations like submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for help.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Tools
“Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their vehicles – such as their side window glass type – the better equipped they will be in an emergency,” emphasizes Nielsen. Investing in a breaking car window tool and taking the time to understand your vehicle’s features and plan for emergencies are proactive steps that can significantly improve your safety and the safety of your passengers. Preparation, combined with the right tools and knowledge, offers the best chance of survival in a vehicle emergency.
