Imagine the sheer panic of being trapped. Now, picture that entrapment within a vehicle, perhaps overturned or rapidly sinking. While thankfully rare, with around 8,000 reported cases of vehicle submersion in 2017, compared to a significantly higher number of rollover accidents, these scenarios are terrifying. Surviving such emergencies hinges on calmness, preparedness, and crucially, having a reliable Car Tool To Break Window readily available in your vehicle.
AAA Research Highlights Effectiveness of Car Escape Tools on Tempered Glass
A comprehensive research report by AAA shed light on the effectiveness of car tools to break windows. Their study rigorously tested six different car escape tools to assess their ability to shatter both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The findings were revealing: only four of the tested tools successfully broke tempered glass, while none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after repeated attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking. Furthermore, the research indicated that spring-loaded car tools to break windows outperformed hammer-style tools in shattering tempered glass.
Alt: AAA researchers demonstrating the effectiveness of a spring-loaded car tool to break tempered vehicle window glass during safety testing.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows and Its Impact on Car Escape
While the AAA study underscores the importance of keeping a car tool to break window in your car, it also highlights a critical factor for drivers: understanding the type of side window glass in their vehicle – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that an increasing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 models from 2018, are equipped with laminated side windows. This nearly impenetrable glass is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair at AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To enhance safety, more vehicles incorporate laminated side windows, yet most still have at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further emphasizes the crucial knowledge drivers need: “Our research indicates that car tools to break windows can be effective in emergencies, but only if drivers know their side window type. Precious seconds can be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Alt: A close-up view of a vehicle side window label clearly indicating ‘TEMPERED’ glass type, essential for determining the right car tool to break the window in an emergency.
Identifying Your Vehicle’s Window Type: Tempered vs. Laminated
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is straightforward. Simply check the label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should clearly state “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If the information is unclear or the label is absent, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different locations, for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Strategy
Being well-prepared for an emergency dramatically increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary emergency exit point. Remember, standard car tools to break windows will not work on laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Car Tool to Break Window: Keep a car tool to break window in your car that you are comfortable using, have practiced with, and is easily accessible. Spring-loaded tools are often conveniently integrated into keychains. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure accessibility during a collision.
Alt: A selection of various car escape tools, highlighting both spring-loaded and hammer-style window breakers, designed to be effective car tools to break tempered windows in emergency situations.
- Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy: Plan your escape route in advance and discuss it with all passengers. This proactive step can prevent confusion during an emergency, potentially saving valuable time. Also, have a backup plan in case your car tool to break window is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method When Trapped:
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for escape:
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Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, act decisively yet cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: If possible, roll down a window. Be aware that if the vehicle is submerged, water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is stuck and you have tempered glass, use your car tool to break window to shatter a side window for escape. If submerged and unable to break a laminated window, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket and stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water. Once equalized pressure occurs, you might be able to open a door and escape. Note that hammer-style car tools to break windows may be harder to use underwater than spring-loaded types.
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Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location.
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Call 911: Although typically the first step in emergencies, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is submerged or on fire.
Conclusion: Knowledge and the Right Car Tool to Break Window Can Save Lives
As Nielsen aptly stated, “Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their vehicles – like their side window glass type – the better equipped they will be in an emergency.” Having a car tool to break window and knowing how and when to use it, combined with pre-planning and calm action, can be the difference between life and death in a vehicle emergency. Ensure you are prepared, know your vehicle, and equip yourself with the right tools for safety.
