Imagine the terrifying scenario of being trapped inside your car after an accident. Whether your vehicle is overturned or submerged underwater, panic can quickly set in. While these situations are thankfully rare, with around 8,000 submersion accidents in 2017, compared to significantly more rollover crashes, being prepared is crucial. The key to survival in such emergencies is to remain calm, have a well-thought-out plan, and equip your vehicle with a reliable Car Window Breaker Tool.
AAA’s in-depth research report has shed light on the effectiveness of car escape tools in critical situations. Their findings highlight the importance of understanding the capabilities and limitations of these tools, especially concerning different types of car window glass.
AAA Research on Car Escape Tools: What You Need to Know
To provide consumers with informed choices, AAA rigorously tested six different car escape tools. The focus was to determine their effectiveness on both tempered and laminated glass, the two main types used in vehicle side windows. The results were eye-opening: only four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass. More critically, none of the tested tools could break through laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under pressure. The research also indicated that spring-loaded car window breaker tools outperformed hammer-style tools when it came to breaking tempered glass.
This research emphasizes two critical points for drivers. Firstly, having a car window breaker tool readily available can be a genuine lifesaver. Secondly, it’s equally vital to know what type of side window glass your car has – tempered or laminated – as the tool’s effectiveness is directly linked to the glass type.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows and Its Implications
Many drivers may be unaware of a significant shift in automotive manufacturing: the increasing use of laminated side windows. Approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This strong, almost unbreakable 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 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.”
This means that while laminated glass offers enhanced protection in accidents, it also presents a challenge in emergency escape situations where a car window breaker tool is needed. Attempting to use a standard tool on laminated glass will be futile and waste precious time.
Identifying Your Car’s Window Glass Type: A Simple Check
Fortunately, determining the type of glass in your car’s side windows is straightforward. Look for a label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should clearly indicate whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or the information isn’t clear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different side windows – for instance, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Knowing your car’s window glass composition beforehand is a simple yet potentially life-saving piece of information.
Emergency Preparedness: Key Steps to Take
Being well-prepared for a car emergency significantly increases your chances of survival, particularly if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to ensure readiness:
Proactive Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If there is at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember, standard car window breaker tools will not work on laminated glass.
- Equip Your Car with a Car Escape Tool: Keep a car escape tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using. Practice using it beforehand to familiarize yourself with its operation. Ensure it is easily accessible in an emergency – spring-loaded tools are often keychain-compatible, or you can mount the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Pre-plan your exit strategy and discuss it with all regular passengers in your car. This will minimize confusion and wasted time during a real emergency. Also, consider a backup plan if the car window breaker tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method: What to Do if Trapped
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
- Stay Calm: While acting quickly is vital, maintain composure to ensure a safe and effective escape for everyone. Panic can hinder clear thinking and actions.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone in the car is ready to exit as soon as possible.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If the window is unresponsive or if the car is sinking, and you have tempered glass, use your car window breaker tool to shatter a side window. Be aware that in a submersion scenario, water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If windows are inoperable and laminated glass is present, move to the back of the vehicle or towards any available air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the car is completely filled with water. This pressure equalization might then allow you to open a door to escape. Note that hammer-style tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
- Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle swiftly and move everyone to a safe location away from danger.
Call 911: While normally the first step in an emergency, in scenarios like submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before contacting emergency services.
Knowledge is Your Best Tool
As John Nielsen wisely states, “Knowledge is power and the more drivers understand about their car – like what type of glass their side windows are made of – the better prepared they will be in the event of an emergency.” Equipping your car with a car window breaker tool is a proactive safety measure, but understanding its limitations, knowing your vehicle’s window type, and having a clear escape plan are equally crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring your safety in a critical situation.
