Being trapped in a vehicle is a terrifying thought. Whether your car is submerged in water or overturned after an accident, the panic can be overwhelming. While these situations are fortunately rare, with around 8,000 submersion incidents in 2017 compared to significantly more rollover crashes, preparation is key to survival. Having a Car Window Breaking Tool readily available, along with a clear emergency plan, can make all the difference.
Understanding Car Window Glass: Tempered vs. Laminated
To help drivers make informed decisions about car safety, AAA conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of various car escape tools on different types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. Their research revealed a crucial distinction: while some tools effectively shattered tempered glass, none were successful in breaking laminated glass. Laminated glass, even when cracked, remained intact. Interestingly, spring-loaded tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools in their tests.
Why You Need a Car Window Breaking Tool
AAA’s study underscores the importance of equipping your vehicle with a car window breaking tool. However, it also highlights the critical need to understand what type of side window glass your car has – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that an increasing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 models in 2018, are equipped with laminated side windows. This nearly unbreakable glass is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, explains, “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.” In emergency situations where time is critical, knowing you have a reliable car window breaking tool for tempered glass can be life-saving.
Choosing the Right Car Window Breaking Tool
When selecting a car window breaking tool, consider the type that best suits your needs and vehicle. AAA’s testing indicated that spring-loaded tools are generally more effective on tempered glass. Look for tools that are easy to handle and store in an accessible location within your car. Many car window breaking tools also incorporate a seatbelt cutter, adding another layer of safety in emergency situations. Some tools are designed as keychains for convenient carrying, while others can be mounted on the dashboard or steering column for quick access during a collision.
How to Identify Your Car Window Type
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated” glass. If the information is unclear or there’s no label, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of both types of glass, with tempered glass in some side windows and laminated in others.
Emergency Preparedness: S-U-R-E Steps to Escape
Being prepared for a vehicle emergency dramatically increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA recommends these crucial steps to ensure readiness:
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. Tempered windows are the target for standard car window breaking tools. Remember, these tools will not break laminated glass.
- Keep an Accessible Escape Tool: Choose a car window breaking tool you are comfortable using, have tested beforehand (if possible and safe to do so on a test piece of tempered glass – always prioritize safety and avoid damaging your vehicle), and can easily reach in an emergency.
- Plan Your Exit Strategy: Discuss and plan an escape route with everyone in the car. This pre-planning minimizes confusion and wasted time during a critical event. Have a backup plan in case the tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped – Remember S-U-R-E:
- Stay Calm: Although time is critical, remain calm to act decisively and safely.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to exit.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, try to roll down a window. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in once the window opens. If the window is stuck and you have tempered glass, use your car window breaking tool to shatter a side window. If submerged and windows are inoperable (especially if laminated), move to the back of the vehicle or any air pocket and wait for pressure to equalize before attempting to open a door. Note that hammer-style tools can be harder to use underwater than spring-loaded tools.
- Exit Quickly and Safely: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle rapidly and move to a safe location. Then, call 911. In immediate life-threatening situations like submersion or fire, escape first, then call for emergency services.
Conclusion
“Knowledge is power,” emphasizes Nielsen, “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.” Investing in a car window breaking tool and taking the time to understand your vehicle’s window type are simple yet potentially life-saving steps. Prioritize safety by preparing today, ensuring you and your passengers are equipped to handle vehicle emergencies effectively.
