Imagine the sheer panic of being trapped inside a vehicle, especially one that’s flipped upside down or rapidly sinking. While these are thankfully rare scenarios, the possibility underscores the critical need for preparedness. In 2017 alone, there were approximately 8,000 instances of vehicles becoming submerged, and rollovers were even more frequent. Having a plan and equipping your car with essential car break tools can significantly improve your chances of survival in such emergencies.
Understanding Car Escape Tools and Their Effectiveness
To help drivers make informed choices, AAA conducted a thorough examination of six different car break tools. Their research aimed to determine the effectiveness of these tools on both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The tests revealed a significant finding: only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, while none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after repeated attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under pressure. Furthermore, the study indicated that spring-loaded car break tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows.
The Growing Prevalence of Laminated Side Windows
While keeping car break tools readily available is vital, AAA’s research highlights another crucial factor: understanding your vehicle’s side window type – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are increasingly common in newer vehicles. In fact, about one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This nearly unbreakable glass is designed to minimize occupant ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this duality: “To enhance safety, more vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows, yet the majority still include at least one tempered glass window.” He emphasizes the importance of knowing your window type, stating, “Our research demonstrates that car break tools can be effective in emergencies, but only if drivers know their side window composition. Otherwise, precious seconds might be wasted attempting to break impenetrable laminated glass.”
Identifying Your Car Window Type: Tempered or Laminated?
Determining your side window glass type is straightforward. Simply check the label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should clearly indicate “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is missing or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly. It’s also important to note that some vehicles use different glass types in different locations – for example, tempered glass in rear side windows and laminated glass in front side windows.
Being Prepared: Essential Steps for Car Emergency Readiness
Being well-prepared can dramatically increase survival chances if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps:
Prioritize Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has tempered windows, remember these are your primary escape points in an emergency. Crucially, standard car break tools will not work on laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with Car Break Tools: Keep a car break tool in your car that you are comfortable using. Practice with it beforehand and ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often available as keychains. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access during a collision.
- Establish an Escape Plan: Develop an exit strategy and communicate it to all passengers. This pre-planning minimizes confusion during a stressful emergency, potentially saving valuable time. Also, have a backup plan in case your car break tools are unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method to guide your escape:
- Stay Calm: While acting quickly is vital, maintain composure. Work deliberately and cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle everyone’s seatbelts and confirm that all occupants are ready to evacuate the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. However, remember that in a sinking car, opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your car break tool to shatter a side window. 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 is completely filled with water. Once this occurs, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style car break tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Get out of the vehicle quickly and move everyone to a safe location.
- Call 911: While typically the first step in emergencies, prioritize escape if the vehicle is submerged or on fire before calling for emergency services.
Mr. Nielsen concludes, “Knowledge is power. The more drivers know about their vehicles – such as their side window glass type – the better equipped they are to handle emergency situations.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, please click here.
