Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Seconds count, and panic can set in quickly. Whether your vehicle is submerged underwater or overturned, having a plan and the right tools can be the difference between life and death. While these scenarios are, thankfully, rare, being prepared is crucial. In 2017 alone, there were approximately 8,000 submersion-related car crashes, and rollover accidents are even more frequent. This is why understanding Emergency Car Exit Tools is vital for every driver.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of these tools, specifically in breaking different types of car window glass. Their findings are essential for anyone considering purchasing an emergency car exit tool.
The Shocking Truth About Laminated Glass and Escape Tools
AAA’s comprehensive study rigorously tested six different car escape tools to assess their ability to break both tempered and laminated glass – the two main types of side windows in vehicles. The results were eye-opening. While four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none were effective against laminated glass. Laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety and to prevent ejection during collisions, remained intact even after cracking. Interestingly, the spring-loaded tools proved more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to the hammer-style tools in these tests.
Laminated Side Windows: An Increasing Trend in Modern Vehicles
It’s becoming increasingly important for drivers to know what type of side windows their car has. AAA’s research highlights this critical knowledge gap and the importance of car escape tools. Surprisingly, a growing number of new vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This feature, while enhancing safety in normal accidents, presents a challenge in emergency escape situations where quick window breakage is necessary.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair at AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To enhance safety, more vehicles are incorporating laminated side windows. However, it’s crucial to remember that most cars still have at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further emphasizes, “Our research indicates that vehicle escape tools can indeed be effective in emergencies, but only if drivers are aware of their side window type. Otherwise, precious time could be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Simply look for a label located in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is unclear or absent, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different side windows, for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Survival Strategy
Being prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases your chances of survival, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to enhance their emergency readiness:
Three Essential Steps for Emergency Preparedness:
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Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has tempered windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember, standard emergency car exit tools are ineffective on laminated glass.
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Equip Your Vehicle with an Escape Tool: Keep an emergency car exit tool readily accessible in your car. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and, ideally, have practiced with beforehand. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-compatible for easy carry. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains within reach during a collision.
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Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Pre-plan your escape strategy and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This proactive approach minimizes confusion during an emergency, potentially saving valuable seconds. Also, establish a backup plan in case your escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method: Your Escape Framework
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
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Stay Calm: While urgency is paramount, maintain composure. Act swiftly but cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately release all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window opens. If the window is inoperable and you have tempered glass, use your emergency car exit tool to break a side window. 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 pressure equalizes, you may be able to open a door. Note that hammer-style tools can be harder to use underwater compared to spring-loaded versions.
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Exit the Vehicle: Evacuate quickly and move everyone to a safe location away from the vehicle.
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Call 911: While typically the first step in emergencies, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is submerged or on fire. Call for emergency services once safely out of the vehicle.
“Knowledge is indeed power,” concludes Nielsen, “The more drivers understand about their vehicles, such as their side window type, the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations effectively.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this resource. Be prepared, be informed, and ensure you have an emergency car exit tool readily available – it could be the most important tool in your vehicle.
