Imagine the sheer panic of being trapped, especially in a car turned upside down or sinking beneath the water. While these scenarios are thankfully rare, occurring in an estimated 8,000 crashes in 2017 involving vehicle submersion, compared to significantly more frequent rollover accidents, being prepared for any car emergency is crucial. The key to survival in such critical situations lies in remaining calm, having a well-thought-out plan, and equipping your vehicle with a reliable Escape Car Tool.
Escape Car Tool Effectiveness: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
To provide consumers with informed choices, AAA conducted a thorough examination of six different car escape tools to assess their effectiveness against both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The research revealed that only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car side windows. Crucially, none of the tools were able to penetrate laminated glass, which merely cracked but remained intact under repeated attempts. Interestingly, the study also highlighted that spring-loaded escape car tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows. This is a significant finding for anyone considering purchasing a vehicle escape tool.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: Are Escape Tools Still Relevant?
The AAA study underscores the importance of having a car escape tool readily available. However, it also brings to light a critical factor that many drivers are unaware of: the type of side window glass in their vehicle – tempered or laminated. An increasing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 models, are equipped with laminated side windows. This enhanced safety feature, designed to minimize occupant ejection during collisions, presents a challenge for traditional escape car tools.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this duality: “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.” Therefore, understanding your car’s window composition is paramount when considering the utility of a car escape tool.
Identifying Your Car 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 each side window. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated”. If the information is missing or there is no label, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer 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. Knowing the glass type at each location is vital for effective emergency planning and escape car tool use.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Car Escape Plan with an Escape Tool
Being well-prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following preparatory steps:
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember that standard escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle: Keep a car escape tool in your car that you are comfortable using. Practice with it beforehand (if possible on a safe material, not your car window!) and ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized, offering convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column for secure placement during a collision.
- Plan Your Escape Route: Develop an exit strategy and communicate it clearly to everyone in the vehicle. This proactive approach minimizes confusion during emergencies and reduces valuable escape time. Also, devise a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The SURE Method for Car Escape: A Step-by-Step Guide
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, remain calm and act deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit. Panic can hinder clear thinking and effective action when using a car escape tool.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. If the car is sinking, remember that water will rush in rapidly once the window opens. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your escape car tool to break a side window for escape. If submerged and windows are inoperable or laminated:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay with it until the vehicle completely fills with water. This pressure equalization may allow you to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style escape tools may be harder to wield effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded versions.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location.
- Call 911: While calling emergency services is usually the first step, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape first.
Conclusion: Knowledge and Preparation are Your Best Escape Tools
As John Nielsen wisely stated, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your car, particularly the type of glass in your side windows, and being prepared with a plan and a car escape tool can significantly enhance your safety in an emergency. Take the time to check your window type today and ensure you have a strategy in place. While a car escape tool is a valuable asset, knowing when and how to use it, and understanding its limitations against laminated glass, is what truly makes it a potential lifesaver.
