The thought of being trapped can trigger immediate panic. Now, picture yourself stuck in your car, perhaps upside down after a collision or rapidly sinking in water. It’s a terrifying scenario, thankfully rare. While accidents leading to vehicle submersion are less frequent – around 8,000 in 2017 – compared to rollover crashes, being prepared for any car emergency is crucial. The key to survival in such critical moments lies in maintaining composure, having a well-thought-out plan, and equipping your vehicle with a reliable Emergency Escape Tool Car.
AAA Research: Unveiling the Effectiveness of Car Escape Tools
To provide clarity for consumers navigating the market for emergency escape tool car options, AAA conducted thorough research, evaluating six different tools. Their findings, detailed in a comprehensive report, shed light on the effectiveness of these tools against different types of car window glass – tempered and laminated. The tests revealed a significant distinction: while four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under pressure. Furthermore, the research indicated that spring-loaded emergency escape tool car models outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: A Factor to Consider
The AAA study underscores the vital importance of carrying an emergency escape tool car. However, it also highlights a critical knowledge gap for drivers: understanding the type of side window glass their vehicle possesses. Many motorists are unaware that laminated side windows are increasingly common in new vehicles. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This robust glass is designed to minimize occupant ejection during accidents, but its near-impenetrable nature poses a challenge in emergency escape situations.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out, “To enhance safety, more vehicles are being manufactured with laminated side windows. However, the majority still include at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further emphasizes, “Our research demonstrates that emergency escape tool car devices can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers are informed about their side window type. Otherwise, precious seconds could be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Type: Tempered or Laminated
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is a straightforward process. Locate the label situated in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly specify “tempered” or “laminated.” If this information is absent or the label is missing, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly. 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, check the labels on all side windows of your vehicle.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Proactive Steps
Being prepared in an emergency significantly boosts survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following preparedness measures:
Proactive Planning for Emergencies:
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Know Your Glass Type: Commit to memory whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has any tempered windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Crucially, remember that standard emergency escape tool car devices will not break laminated glass.
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Equip Your Vehicle with an Accessible Escape Tool: Keep an emergency escape tool car in your vehicle that you are comfortable using. Practice using it beforehand to build familiarity and ensure it’s easily accessible in a stressful situation. Spring-loaded tools often come with keychain attachments for convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains within reach during a collision.
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Develop and Communicate an Escape Strategy: Pre-plan your escape route and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This will minimize confusion during an emergency and expedite the evacuation process. Also, devise a backup plan in case your emergency escape tool car is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method: Your Escape Plan in Action
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
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Stay Calm: While time is critical, maintain composure. Act swiftly but carefully to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and confirm everyone is ready to evacuate when the moment arrives.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. Be aware that if your car is submerged, water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window is inoperable and your car has tempered glass, use your emergency escape tool car to break a side window for escape. If submerged and unable to break a laminated window, move to the back of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water, equalizing the pressure, which may then allow you to open a door and escape. Note that a hammer-style emergency escape tool car may be harder to use effectively underwater due to water resistance.
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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 contacting emergency services is usually the initial step, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape first.
Nielsen concludes, “Knowledge is a powerful asset. 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 document.
