Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Time is of the essence, and escape becomes paramount. While such scenarios are rare, being prepared can be the difference between life and death. Car escape tools, specifically Car Windshield Breaking Tools, are designed for these critical moments. Understanding their function and limitations is crucial for every driver.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of car escape tools in emergency situations. Their report highlights a critical distinction: these tools are effective on tempered glass, commonly found in car windows, but they are ineffective against laminated glass, which is increasingly used in newer vehicles. This distinction is vital for drivers to understand when considering emergency preparedness.
AAA’s Findings on Car Escape Tool Efficiency
To provide consumers with informed purchasing advice, AAA rigorously tested six different car escape tools. The focus was on their ability to break both tempered and laminated glass. The results were revealing. Only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, which is designed to break into small, relatively harmless pieces. However, none of the tools could penetrate laminated glass. Laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety and security, cracked under pressure but remained intact, demonstrating its resistance to standard car windshield breaking tools. Interestingly, the research also indicated that spring-loaded escape tools were more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows in Modern Vehicles
The AAA study underscores the importance of having a car escape tool readily available. However, it also brings to the forefront the necessity for drivers to know what type of side window glass their vehicle has: tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are becoming increasingly common in new cars. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 vehicle models from 2018 onwards incorporate laminated side windows. This shift is driven by safety concerns, as laminated glass significantly reduces the risk of occupant ejection during a collision.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, emphasizes this point: “To enhance safety, more vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows, yet the majority still include at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further adds, “Our research demonstrates that vehicle escape tools can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers are aware of their side window type. Otherwise, precious seconds might be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Glass Type
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is a straightforward process. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated”. If the label is missing or the information is unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of glass types, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Therefore, checking all side windows is advisable.
Essential Steps for Emergency Preparedness in Your Vehicle
Being prepared for a car emergency drastically increases survival chances, especially if occupants become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following proactive measures:
Three Key Preparations for Vehicle Emergencies:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has tempered glass windows, identify them as your primary exit points in an emergency. Remember that standard car escape tools will not work on laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Car Escape Tool: Keep a car windshield breaking tool in your car that you are comfortable using. Practice using it beforehand to build familiarity and confidence. Ensure the tool is easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often attached to keychains for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column to keep it secure and within reach during a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Create a clear exit strategy and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This proactive approach minimizes confusion during an emergency and speeds up the evacuation process. Also, devise a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The SURE Method: A Step-by-Step Guide to Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While time is critical, maintaining composure is essential. Act swiftly but cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate when the time comes.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If the car is submerged in water, remember that opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window is jammed or the car is submerged and the windows are tempered glass, use your car windshield breaking tool to shatter a side window for escape. If the vehicle is submerged and windows are laminated and cannot be broken, move to the rear of the vehicle or any location with an air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle is filled with water. Once the pressure equalizes, you may be able to open a door and escape. Note that hammer-style escape tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded types.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location away from danger.
- Call 911: While calling emergency services is usually the first step in an emergency, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before making the call.
Mr. Nielsen concludes, “Knowledge is a powerful tool. The more drivers understand about their vehicles, including the type of glass in their side windows, the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations effectively.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, please refer to this resource.
Alt text: Example of a car window label indicating glass type, essential for determining compatibility with car windshield breaking tools.
