Imagine the unthinkable: your car plunges into water. Panic sets in, but knowing how to react and having the right tool can be the difference between life and death. Recent research by AAA highlights the critical importance of vehicle escape tools, especially when dealing with submerged vehicles. This guide will delve into why having a tool to get out of a submerged car is not just smart, it’s essential.
Side windows are your primary escape route if your car ends up underwater or in flames. However, not all car windows are created equal. Many modern vehicles, in pursuit of enhanced safety during collisions, are equipped with laminated side windows. While excellent at preventing ejection during crashes, laminated glass is incredibly difficult to break, even with specialized tools. Conversely, tempered glass, common in many older and some newer vehicles, can be shattered with the right tool and technique.
AAA’s comprehensive “Vehicle Escape Tool Evaluation” tested a range of readily available vehicle escape tools – both spring-loaded and hammer-style. The findings were eye-opening: while some tools effectively shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated windows. Crucially, spring-loaded tools outperformed hammer-style tools, especially in underwater scenarios where hammer-style tools were found to be largely ineffective. This is vital information when considering a tool to get out of a submerged car.
For drivers, understanding the type of side windows in your vehicle is the first step. Unfortunately, there’s no universal visual identifier. Checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual is recommended to determine if you have tempered or laminated side windows. Some vehicles may have a mix, with laminated glass in the front and tempered in the rear. Knowing this distinction is paramount when choosing the right tool to get out of a submerged car.
When it comes to escaping a submerged vehicle, a spring-loaded escape tool emerges as the superior choice. These tools are designed to create a concentrated force in a small area, effectively shattering tempered glass. Hammer-style tools, while seemingly robust, require a forceful swing, which can be challenging underwater due to water resistance and limited space inside a sinking car. The focused impact of a spring-loaded tool is more reliable and easier to use in the confined and stressful environment of a submerged vehicle.
In conclusion, preparedness is key. Having a reliable, spring-loaded vehicle escape tool readily accessible in your car is a vital safety measure, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding or drive near bodies of water. Knowing the type of windows your car has and equipping yourself with the appropriate tool to get out of a submerged car could save your life and the lives of your passengers in an emergency. Don’t wait for the unthinkable to happen – equip yourself with the knowledge and the tool you need to escape.
