Accidents are unexpected, and the thought of being trapped inside a vehicle, especially underwater or overturned, is a frightening prospect. While such incidents are statistically rare, preparedness is key to survival. In 2017 alone, approximately 8,000 vehicles were submerged in water after accidents, highlighting the importance of having a plan and the right tools. A Car Glass Breaker Tool can be a crucial piece of safety equipment in these critical situations.
Understanding Car Escape Tools: What AAA Research Reveals
To help drivers make informed decisions, AAA conducted a thorough research report examining the effectiveness of various car escape tools. Their tests focused on how well these tools could break two common types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. The findings were significant: while some tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Interestingly, spring-loaded tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools in the tests.
Alt: AAA research report cover showing car escape tool testing setup, emphasizing vehicle safety and emergency preparedness.
This research underscores two vital points: first, carrying a car glass breaker tool is a smart safety measure. Second, understanding your vehicle’s window type is equally critical.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
An increasing number of new vehicles, about 1 in 3 models from 2018, are equipped with laminated side windows. This safety feature, designed to prevent ejection during collisions, is significantly stronger and harder to break than tempered glass. While laminated windows enhance vehicle safety in rollovers, they present a challenge in emergency escape scenarios where a car glass breaker tool is needed.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this duality: “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 Window Type: Tempered vs. Laminated
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of the side window. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or unclear, contacting your vehicle manufacturer or dealer is recommended. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a mix of window types, with laminated glass in the front and tempered glass in the rear, for example. Knowing the glass type at each window location is crucial for effective emergency planning.
Alt: Close-up of a vehicle window marking indicating tempered glass, highlighting vehicle safety features and glass identification for emergency preparedness.
Alt: Detail view of a car window label showing laminated glass, emphasizing advanced vehicle safety glass and identification for emergency situations.
Preparing for Vehicle Emergencies: Your Action Plan
Being prepared can dramatically increase survival chances if you become trapped in your car. AAA recommends these crucial steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. Tempered glass windows are breakable with standard car glass breaker tools and should be your primary escape route if available. Remember, these tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Car Escape Tool: Keep a car glass breaker tool readily accessible in your car. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and consider practicing with it (on a safe material, not your car window!) to build familiarity. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience, while others can be mounted on the dashboard or steering column for secure placement during collisions.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Strategy: Create a clear escape plan and share it with all vehicle occupants. This proactive approach minimizes confusion and delays in an emergency. Include a backup plan in case the car glass breaker tool is unusable or ineffective.
The “S-U-R-E” Escape Method if Trapped:
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, remain calm and act deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit. Panic can waste valuable time.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone in the vehicle is ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If the car is submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is jammed and you have tempered glass, use your car glass breaker tool to shatter a side window. For submerged vehicles with inoperable windows or laminated glass:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water. This pressure equalization may allow you to open a door and escape.
- Note that hammer-style car glass breaker tools can be harder to use effectively underwater due to water resistance. Spring-loaded tools might be more practical in such scenarios.
- Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door is opened, exit quickly and move to a safe location away from the vehicle.
- Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services to report the incident and request assistance. In immediate life-threatening situations like submersion or fire, prioritize escape before calling for help.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Defenses
As John Nielsen from AAA emphasizes, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, especially the type of side window glass it has, combined with preparedness measures like keeping a car glass breaker tool in your car and having an escape plan, significantly enhances your safety and survival chances in a vehicle emergency. Take the time to check your window type today and ensure you are equipped and prepared for the unexpected.
