Being trapped in a sinking or overturned car is a terrifying scenario. While these accidents are rare, being prepared is crucial. Having the best emergency escape tool for your car can be the difference between life and death. This guide will help you choose the right tool and understand how to use it effectively.
Understanding Car Window Types: Tempered vs. Laminated
Before selecting an escape tool, it’s vital to know your car’s window type:
- Tempered Glass: This type of glass shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces when broken. It’s commonly found in side and rear windows.
- Laminated Glass: This glass consists of two layers bonded with a plastic interlayer. It’s designed to resist shattering and is often used in windshields and increasingly in side windows for added safety. Laminated glass is extremely difficult to break.
AAA research indicates that one-third of 2018 car models have laminated side windows. This safety feature, while beneficial in preventing ejection during a collision, poses challenges for escape during submersion or rollover accidents.
Choosing the Best Car Escape Tool
AAA tested various car escape tools and found spring-loaded models more effective at breaking tempered glass than hammer-style tools. No tools tested could break laminated glass. Therefore, choosing the right tool and knowing your car’s window type are paramount. Look for features like:
- Spring-Loaded Mechanism: This provides the necessary force to shatter tempered glass quickly.
- Sharp Point: A concentrated point focuses the impact for efficient breaking.
- Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter: Many tools combine a window breaker with a sharp blade to quickly cut seatbelts.
- Mounting Options: Secure mounting ensures the tool is readily accessible during an emergency. Consider mounting on the keychain, dashboard, or steering column.
Identifying Your Car’s Window Type
Check the bottom corner of each side window for a small label indicating “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If no label exists, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. Remember, different windows on the same car can be made of different glass types.
Emergency Escape Plan: The S-U-R-E Method
Develop a clear escape plan and share it with all passengers:
- Stay Calm: Panic hinders clear thinking. Remain calm and act quickly but deliberately.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Ensure everyone unbuckles their seatbelts immediately.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down windows first. If unsuccessful and a tempered glass window is present, use the escape tool. If submerged, and a window won’t open or break (likely laminated), move to the back for an air pocket. Wait for the pressure to equalize before attempting to open a door. Note: hammer-style tools are difficult to use underwater.
- Exit Quickly: Once a window is broken or a door opened, exit the vehicle swiftly and move to safety. Call 911 once everyone is out of immediate danger.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Equipping your car with the best emergency escape tool and understanding how to use it can be lifesaving. Knowing your car’s window type is crucial for selecting the right tool and planning your escape strategy. Remember the S-U-R-E method and practice your plan to ensure everyone in your vehicle is prepared for an emergency.
