Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Perhaps your vehicle is submerged in water or overturned. Panic might set in, but knowing how to react and having the right tools can be the difference between life and death. While these scenarios are rare, preparedness is key. In 2017 alone, there were approximately 8,000 cases of vehicles becoming partially or fully submerged after crashes. Rollover accidents were even more frequent, occurring over ten times as often. Having a car escape tool readily available and knowing how to use it is a crucial part of your emergency plan.
AAA Research on Car Escape Tools
To help drivers make informed decisions about safety, AAA conducted a research report evaluating the effectiveness of various car escape tools. They tested six different tools to see how well they could break both tempered and laminated car window glass. The results were eye-opening: only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass. More surprisingly, none of the tools could break through laminated glass; it cracked but remained intact. The tests also revealed that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools.
Alt: Close-up of a car window label indicating ‘TEMPERED’ glass, positioned in the lower corner of the window.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
AAA’s study highlights two critical points: the importance of having a car escape tool and the necessity of knowing what type of side window glass your car has – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are increasingly common in newer vehicles. In fact, about 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This strong, almost unbreakable glass is designed to prevent occupants from being ejected during a collision.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To enhance safety, more vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows. However, most cars still include at least one window made of tempered glass.” He adds, “Our research indicates that car escape tools can be effective in emergencies, 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 Window Glass Type
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly state “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If the information is unclear or the label is missing, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for clarification. Keep in mind that some vehicles might have different types of glass in different window locations – for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front.
Emergency Preparedness: Being Ready Can Save Lives
Being prepared for a car emergency significantly increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to prepare:
Three Steps to Emergency Readiness
Plan Ahead:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember, standard escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Car with an Escape Tool: Keep a car escape tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have practiced with, and can easily access. Spring-loaded tools are often available as keychain versions for convenience. You can also mount the tool on your dashboard or steering column to ensure it stays in place during a crash.
Alt: A spring-loaded car escape tool attached to a keyring, demonstrating its portable and accessible design.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Strategy: Create an escape plan in advance and discuss it with everyone who regularly rides in your car. This will minimize confusion during an emergency and speed up the exit process. Also, have a backup plan in case your escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped:
If you become trapped in your vehicle, remember the S-U-R-E method for escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is important, remain calm and act deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to exit the vehicle quickly.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: If the car is sinking, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If the window won’t open and you have tempered glass, use your car escape tool to break a side window for escape. If submerged and unable to break a laminated window, move to the back of the vehicle or locate an air pocket and stay there until the vehicle is fully submerged. Once the air is gone, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door. Note that hammer-style escape tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Exit the vehicle swiftly and move everyone to a safe location.
- Call 911: While calling emergency services is usually the first step, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is in water or on fire.
Conclusion
As Nielsen emphasizes, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your car, including the type of side window glass it has, and being prepared with the right tools and a plan are crucial steps in maximizing safety during a vehicle emergency. Having a car escape tool and knowing how and when to use it can be a true lifesaver.
References
- AAA Research Report: Vehicle Escape Tools Effectiveness
- List of Vehicles with Laminated Side Windows: Laminated Glass Vehicle List
