Imagine the terrifying scenario: you’re in a car accident, and suddenly, you’re trapped. Whether your car is overturned or, even more frighteningly, sinking in water, panic can set in quickly. While these situations are thankfully rare, occurring in an estimated 8,000 crashes in 2017 involving submersion, compared to significantly more rollover accidents, being prepared is crucial. The key to survival in any car emergency is maintaining composure, having a well-thought-out plan, and equipping your vehicle with the Best Car Crash Emergency Tool readily available.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of these tools, revealing important distinctions that every driver needs to understand.
Understanding Car Escape Tool Effectiveness: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
To provide consumers with valuable insights, AAA conducted thorough testing on six different car escape tools. The objective was to determine their effectiveness in breaking two common types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. The results were eye-opening. Researchers discovered that only four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass. More critically, none of the tools were able to penetrate laminated glass. Even after repeated attempts, laminated glass merely cracked but remained intact. Interestingly, the tests indicated that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools.
This distinction between tempered and laminated glass is paramount when considering the best car crash emergency tool for your vehicle.
The Growing Presence of Laminated Side Windows
AAA’s research highlights not only the importance of carrying a car escape tool but also the critical need for drivers to know what type of side window glass their car has. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This robust glass is designed to significantly reduce the risk of occupants being ejected during a collision, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, explains, “To enhance safety, more vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows. However, the majority still have at least one window made of tempered glass.” He further emphasizes, “Our research demonstrates that vehicle escape tools can be effective in an emergency, but only if drivers are aware of their side window type. Otherwise, precious seconds could be wasted attempting to break glass that is designed not to shatter.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Glass Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is a straightforward process. Simply look for a label located in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is unclear or no label is present, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different locations, such as tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front side windows.
Knowing your window glass type is the first step in selecting the best car crash emergency tool and formulating an effective escape plan.
Emergency Preparedness: Key Steps to Take Now
Being well-prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases your chances of survival, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following proactive steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize the type of glass in your vehicle’s windows – tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Crucially, remember that standard escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Car: Keep a car escape tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have practiced with beforehand, and can access easily in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often conveniently integrated into keychains. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains within reach even during a collision.
- Plan Your Escape: Develop a clear exit strategy and communicate it to everyone who regularly travels in your car. This proactive communication will minimize confusion during a high-pressure situation and expedite the escape process. Furthermore, create a backup plan in case your primary escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method: Actions to Take If Trapped
In the event you become trapped in your vehicle, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While every second counts, maintaining composure is crucial. Work swiftly but deliberately to ensure everyone can safely exit the vehicle.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and confirm that everyone is ready to evacuate the car when the moment arrives.
- Roll Down or Break Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. However, remember that if your car is submerged in water, opening a window will cause water to rush into the vehicle more rapidly. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your best car crash emergency tool to break a side window for escape. Keep in mind the following considerations if your vehicle is submerged:
- If windows are inoperable or laminated and cannot be broken, move to the back of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Once this occurs, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door and escape.
- Hammer-style escape tools can be significantly harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
- Exit Vehicle: Once an escape route is open, exit the vehicle quickly and assist everyone in reaching a safe location.
- Call 911: While contacting emergency services is typically the first step in most emergencies, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before calling for help.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Your Most Powerful Tool
As John Nielsen aptly stated, “Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their vehicles – such as the type of glass in their side windows – the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations.” Equipping yourself with the best car crash emergency tool is an important part of vehicle safety, but understanding its limitations and knowing how to use it effectively, in conjunction with a well-practiced emergency plan, is what truly makes the difference. Take the time to learn about your car’s windows, choose your escape tool wisely, and ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for the unexpected.
