Accidents are unpredictable, and the thought of being trapped in a car, especially in a sinking or overturned vehicle, is terrifying. While these scenarios are statistically rare, with approximately 8,000 submersion incidents in 2017 compared to far more rollover crashes, preparedness is key to survival. Having an Emergency Car Escape Tool readily available and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death in critical situations.
Why an Emergency Car Escape Tool is a Must-Have
Imagine the unthinkable: your car is submerged underwater or flipped upside down after a collision. Panic can set in quickly, but remaining calm and having a plan is crucial. A car escape tool is specifically designed to aid in rapid evacuation when standard exits are compromised. These tools are not just for submerged vehicles; they are vital in any situation where doors are jammed, or windows are stuck, including post-collision scenarios or even car fires.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Understanding Your Windows
Before you equip your car with an emergency escape tool, it’s essential to understand the type of glass your car windows are made of. AAA conducted a research report that tested various car escape tools on both tempered and laminated glass. The findings were eye-opening: while escape tools are effective on tempered glass, they are virtually useless against laminated glass.
AAA’s research highlighted that out of the six tools tested, only four could effectively shatter tempered glass, and none could break through laminated glass. Furthermore, spring-loaded tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools. This distinction is critical because laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety and to prevent ejection during crashes, is becoming increasingly common in newer vehicles. In fact, about 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, emphasizes the importance of this knowledge: “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.”
How to Identify Your Car Window Type
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows 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. Be aware that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different windows, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Knowing the glass type for each window is crucial for planning your escape strategy.
Choosing and Using the Right Emergency Car Escape Tool
Equipping your vehicle with the right escape tool and knowing how to use it is paramount. AAA recommends the following preparedness steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated, and identify which windows are tempered if you have both types. Tempered glass windows will be your primary escape route when using a car escape tool. Remember, standard escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Keep an Accessible Escape Tool: Choose a car escape tool that you are comfortable using and store it within easy reach. Spring-loaded tools are generally more effective on tempered glass. Consider tools that can be attached to your keychain or mounted on the dashboard or steering column for quick access during a collision. Practice using the tool beforehand to ensure familiarity in a stressful situation.
- Plan Your Escape Route: Develop an exit strategy and discuss it with all passengers. This pre-planning can prevent confusion and save valuable seconds during an emergency. Also, consider a backup plan if the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The “S-U-R-E” Method for Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
- S – Stay Calm: While urgency is critical, maintaining composure will help you act effectively and ensure everyone’s safe exit. Panic can lead to mistakes and wasted time.
- U – Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure all occupants are ready to evacuate once an escape route is available.
- R – Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If the window is inoperable, and you have tempered glass, use your emergency car escape tool to break a side window. Remember that in a sinking vehicle, water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If windows are laminated and cannot be broken, and the vehicle is submerged, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the vehicle is fully submerged, which should equalize the pressure and potentially allow a door to be opened. Note that hammer-style tools might be harder to use underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- E – Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, evacuate the vehicle quickly and move to a safe location.
Call for Help
While calling 911 is usually the first step in an emergency, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before contacting emergency services. Once safely out of the vehicle, call for help.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Tools
As John Nielsen from AAA stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, particularly the type of glass in your windows, and being prepared with an emergency car escape tool and a plan, significantly increases your chances of survival in a vehicle emergency. Don’t wait for an accident to happen – take proactive steps today to ensure you and your loved ones are equipped to escape safely. Invest in an emergency car escape tool, know your car, and have a plan. It’s a small investment for invaluable peace of mind and safety.
