Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Perhaps your vehicle is submerged in water or overturned. While these scenarios are fortunately rare, being prepared for any car emergency is crucial. AAA research highlights the importance of having a Window Breaking Tool Car readily available and knowing how to use it effectively.
AAA’s comprehensive study investigated the effectiveness of various car escape tools in breaking different types of car window glass. Their findings reveal critical information for every driver. The research, detailed in a report, demonstrates that while window breaking tools can be life-saving, their success depends heavily on the type of glass your car windows are made of.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Understanding the Difference for Emergency Escape
AAA’s tests focused on two main types of car side window glass: tempered and laminated. Tempered glass, the more common type, is designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. This is the type of glass that window breaking tools are designed to break.
However, the research uncovered a significant challenge: laminated glass. Laminated glass, increasingly used in newer vehicles for enhanced safety and to prevent ejection during collisions, is constructed with a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. This makes it significantly stronger and virtually shatterproof. In AAA’s tests, none of the window breaking tools were effective in breaching laminated glass. Even when cracked, laminated glass remained intact, hindering escape efforts.
Interestingly, the type of tool also mattered. Spring-loaded window breaking tools proved more reliable at shattering tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools in AAA’s multiple tests.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: Implications for Car Escape Tools
It’s becoming increasingly important for drivers to know what type of side windows their car has. AAA points out that a growing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 models, are equipped with laminated side windows. This safety feature, while beneficial in accidents, presents a significant obstacle in emergency escape situations where a window breaking tool car might be needed.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, emphasizes this point: “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.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type: Tempered or Laminated?
Fortunately, determining the type of glass in your car windows is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly indicate whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different window locations. For example, front side windows might be laminated while rear side windows are tempered.
Emergency Preparedness: Beyond Just a Window Breaking Tool
Being prepared for a car emergency goes beyond just owning a window breaking tool car. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to enhance their safety:
Three Essential Steps for Emergency Readiness:
-
Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your car’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember, standard window breaking tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
-
Equip Your Car with a Reliable Escape Tool: Keep a window breaking tool car in your vehicle that you are comfortable using. Practice with it beforehand (if possible on a safe material, or through videos) and ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often conveniently attached to keychains. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access during a collision.
-
Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Create a clear exit strategy and discuss it with all passengers in your car. This proactive approach minimizes confusion during an emergency, saving valuable seconds. Also, have a backup plan in case your window breaking tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Car Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E steps to guide your escape:
-
Stay Calm: While speed is critical, remain calm and act deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit. Panic can waste precious time.
-
Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
-
Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. However, if submerged in water, be aware that opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window won’t open and you have tempered glass, use your window breaking tool car to shatter 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 there until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Once equalized pressure allows, you should be able to open a door to escape.
- Note that hammer-style window breaking tools might be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
-
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 submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before calling for help.
Knowledge is Your Best Tool
As Nielsen from AAA concludes, “Knowledge is power and the more drivers understand about their car – like what type of glass their side windows are made of – the better prepared they will be in the event of an emergency.” Understanding your car’s features and having a window breaking tool car, along with a solid emergency plan, can significantly improve your chances of survival in a critical situation.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, refer to this document.
