Imagine the unthinkable: being trapped inside your car after an accident. Whether your vehicle is submerged in water or overturned, the seconds count. While these scenarios are thankfully rare, occurring in an estimated 8,000 crashes in 2017 involving submersion compared to significantly more rollover accidents, preparedness is paramount. Having an emergency car escape tool readily available and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death.
AAA Research Highlights Car Escape Tool Effectiveness
To provide data-backed advice, AAA conducted thorough research on various car escape tools. Their report rigorously tested six different tools to assess their ability to break both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The findings were eye-opening: while four tools successfully shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass remained intact, merely cracking under pressure. Furthermore, the research indicated that spring-loaded car escape tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows.
Alt: AAA researchers testing the effectiveness of a spring-loaded emergency car escape tool on a car window, part of their study on vehicle escape tool performance.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows: What You Need to Know
AAA’s study underscores the critical need for drivers to not only carry an emergency car escape tool but also to understand their vehicle’s window composition – specifically, whether they are tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that a growing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 models in 2018, are equipped with laminated side windows. This advanced glass is designed to enhance safety by preventing occupant ejection during collisions, but it presents a significant challenge in emergency escape situations as standard car escape tools are ineffective against it.
“As vehicle safety standards advance, we’re seeing more cars with laminated side windows, but thankfully, tempered glass is still prevalent, especially in rear side windows,” notes John Nielsen, Automotive Engineering and Repair managing director at AAA. “Our research confirms that vehicle escape tools can be invaluable in an emergency, but only if drivers are informed about their car’s window type. Otherwise, crucial seconds can be wasted attempting to break unbreakable glass.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining your car’s side window type is straightforward. Simply check the label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label will clearly indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If the information is unclear or the label is absent, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles utilize different glass types in various window locations, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows.
Alt: A close-up view of a vehicle side window label clearly marked ‘Tempered Glass’, showing how to identify window types for emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Action Plan
Being well-prepared significantly increases survival chances if you and your passengers become trapped in a vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take these proactive steps:
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. If you have tempered windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember, standard emergency car escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Reliable Escape Tool: Keep an emergency car escape tool in your car that you are comfortable using, have ideally tested (if possible and safe to do so on a practice window – never test on your car’s windows), and is easily accessible in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column for secure and immediate access during a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Strategy: Create a clear exit plan and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This pre-planning minimizes confusion during a crisis, potentially saving valuable time during vehicle evacuation. Also, formulate a backup plan in case the car escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
Alt: A collection of different emergency car escape tools, showcasing spring-loaded keychain models and heavier hammer-style tools for vehicle safety.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method: Your Emergency Action Steps
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While urgency is critical, maintain composure. Work deliberately and efficiently to ensure everyone’s safe evacuation. Panic can hinder clear thinking and action.
- Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately unbuckle all seat belts and confirm everyone is ready to exit the vehicle when the opportunity arises.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If the car is submerging, be aware that water will rapidly rush in once the window opens. If the window is inoperable and you have tempered glass, use your emergency car escape tool to break a side window for escape. If submerged and unable to break a laminated window, move to the vehicle’s rear or any available air pocket. Remain there until the vehicle completely fills with water; this pressure equalization may allow a door to open for escape. Note that hammer-style escape tools might be harder to use effectively underwater due to water resistance.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly evacuate the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location away from the immediate danger.
- Call 911: While typically the initial step in emergencies, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is on fire or submerged. Contact emergency services once safely out of the vehicle.
Alt: A visual diagram outlining the ‘S-U-R-E’ method – Stay Calm, Unbuckle, Roll Down/Break Window, Exit – as a memorable guide for emergency vehicle escape.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge and Preparation
“Knowledge truly empowers drivers,” concludes Nielsen. “By understanding your vehicle, including your side window glass type, and by being prepared with an emergency car escape tool and a plan, you significantly enhance your safety and the safety of your passengers in unforeseen emergencies.”
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, refer to here.
