Being trapped in a car after an accident is a terrifying thought. Whether your vehicle is submerged in water or overturned, the ability to escape quickly can be life-saving. Emergency situations, although rare, demand preparedness. A crucial element of this preparedness is understanding and utilizing the right Tool Used To Break Car Windows.
AAA research has highlighted the effectiveness of car escape tools, but with a critical caveat. Their studies, detailed in a comprehensive report, reveal that these tools are primarily effective against tempered glass, the type commonly used in most car side windows. However, they are ineffective against laminated glass, which is increasingly used in newer vehicles for enhanced safety and reduced ejection risk during collisions.
During rigorous testing, AAA evaluated six different car escape tools to determine their capability to shatter both tempered and laminated automotive glass. The results were clear: only four of the tested tools successfully broke tempered glass. More importantly, none of the tools were able to penetrate laminated glass. Even with significant force, laminated glass cracked but remained intact, demonstrating its resistance to standard car escape tools. The research also indicated that spring-loaded tools generally outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows, suggesting a more efficient mechanism for force application in confined spaces.
It’s becoming increasingly vital for drivers to understand the type of side window glass their vehicles possess. The automotive industry is shifting towards greater use of laminated side windows for enhanced safety. Approximately one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This safety feature, designed to prevent occupant ejection, presents a challenge in emergency escape scenarios where breaking a window is necessary.
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.” This highlights the critical need to identify your car’s window type and equip yourself with the appropriate tool used to break car windows, specifically tempered glass windows.
Determining your vehicle’s side window glass type is straightforward. Simply check the label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the label is missing or unclear, contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly is recommended. It’s also crucial to note that vehicles may have different types of glass in different window locations. For instance, rear side windows might be tempered glass while front side windows are laminated.
Being well-prepared for emergencies significantly increases survival chances, particularly when trapped in a vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following preparedness steps:
Three Essential Steps for Emergency Readiness:
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Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has tempered glass windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember that standard escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
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Equip Your Vehicle with a Car Escape Tool: Keep a tool used to break car windows readily accessible in your car. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and have ideally tested beforehand. Spring-loaded tools, often available as keychain attachments, offer convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column for secure and consistent access, even during a collision.
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Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Create a clear exit strategy and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This proactive planning minimizes confusion during a stressful emergency, potentially saving valuable seconds during an escape. Also, establish a backup plan in case your chosen escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape:
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E steps for a safe exit:
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Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, maintain composure to ensure a safe and efficient escape for everyone.
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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: If possible, attempt to roll down a window. However, in situations like vehicle submersion, opening a window will cause rapid water influx. If the window is jammed or the car is submerged and has tempered glass, utilize your tool used to break car windows to shatter a side window. Be aware that in a submerged vehicle:
- If windows are laminated and cannot be broken, move to the rear of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Remain there until the vehicle completely fills with water. Once equalized pressure occurs, it may be possible to open a door for escape.
- Hammer-style escape tools may be significantly harder to use effectively underwater due to resistance. Spring-loaded tools might offer a more practical solution in such conditions.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is breached or a door is opened, evacuate the vehicle swiftly and move to a safe location.
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Call 911: While contacting emergency services is typically the first step in most emergencies, prioritize immediate escape if the vehicle is submerged or on fire. Call for help once safely out of the vehicle.
As Mr. Nielsen 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 vehicle and carrying the appropriate tool used to break car windows can make all the difference in a critical situation.
