Imagine the unthinkable: being trapped in your car after an accident, perhaps upside down or submerged in water. While these scenarios are rare, the risk, however small, highlights the critical need for preparedness. In 2017 alone, approximately 8,000 crashes involved vehicle submersion, and rollovers were even more frequent. Having the Best Car Safety Tools readily available, along with a clear emergency plan, can significantly improve your chances of survival in such critical situations.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of various car escape tools. Their studies rigorously tested several tools to assess their ability to break both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The findings are crucial for anyone considering purchasing a car safety tool.
Understanding Car Escape Tools: What Works and What Doesn’t
AAA’s comprehensive testing revealed that not all car escape tools are created equal. Out of the six tools evaluated, only four successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car side windows. However, a startling discovery was that none of the tested tools could effectively break laminated glass. Laminated glass, designed for enhanced safety and to prevent ejection during collisions, remained intact even after cracking.
Interestingly, the type of tool also mattered. Spring-loaded escape tools proved to be more reliable at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools in the AAA tests. This distinction is important to consider when choosing the best car safety tool for your vehicle.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: A Critical Factor for Safety Tool Effectiveness
An important takeaway from the AAA research is the increasing prevalence of laminated side windows in newer vehicles. Approximately one in three 2018 vehicle models are equipped with laminated side windows. While this feature enhances safety by making windows nearly unbreakable and reducing ejection risks, it also renders standard car escape tools ineffective against these windows.
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’s Window Type: Tempered or Laminated
Before you equip your car with safety tools, it’s crucial to determine the type of glass your side windows are made of. Fortunately, identifying the glass type is straightforward. Look for a label in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.”
If you cannot find a label or the information is unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly. Keep in mind that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different locations – for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Plan
Being prepared is paramount in emergency situations. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to enhance their safety:
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. Identify tempered glass windows as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember that standard escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle: Keep a car escape tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have practiced with, and can easily access. Spring-loaded tools, often available as keychains or mountable devices, are generally recommended.
- Plan Your Escape: Develop a clear exit strategy and communicate it to all passengers. Having a plan minimizes confusion and wasted time during an emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case your escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped:
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for escape:
- Stay Calm: While time is critical, maintain composure to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If submerged, be aware that water will rush in quickly once the window opens. If the window is jammed and your car has tempered glass, use your escape tool to break a side window. If submerged and windows are inoperable, move to the back of the vehicle to locate an air pocket. Once the vehicle is full of water, pressure should equalize, potentially allowing a door to open. Note that hammer-style tools may be harder to use underwater.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move to a safe location.
- Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services. While calling 911 is usually the first step, escaping a dangerous situation like submersion or fire takes priority.
As John Nielsen wisely states, “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.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, you can refer to this resource. Ensure you are equipped with the best car safety tools and the knowledge to use them effectively, potentially turning a terrifying situation into a survivable one.
