Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Perhaps your vehicle is submerged in water or overturned, and panic starts to set in. While these scenarios are, thankfully, rare, with approximately 8,000 submersion crashes in 2017 compared to far more frequent rollover accidents, preparedness is key to survival. Having an Emergency Car Window Breaking Tool readily available and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death in such critical situations.
AAA Research Highlights the Effectiveness (and Limitations) of Car Escape Tools
To provide data-driven guidance for consumers, AAA (the American Automobile Association) conducted a thorough examination of six different car escape tools. Their research, detailed in a comprehensive report, aimed to determine the effectiveness of these tools in breaking two common types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. The findings revealed a critical distinction: while some tools effectively shattered tempered glass, none could penetrate laminated glass. Furthermore, spring-loaded tools proved more reliable than hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows during repeated tests.
AAA research underscores the importance of understanding car window types when considering emergency escape tools.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows in Modern Vehicles
AAA’s study emphasizes the importance of equipping your car with an emergency car window breaking tool, but it also brings to light a crucial factor often overlooked by drivers: the type of glass used in their car windows. Many motorists are unaware that an increasing number of new vehicles, approximately 1 in 3 models from 2018, are manufactured with laminated side windows. This type of glass, designed for enhanced safety, is virtually shatterproof and primarily intended to prevent occupant ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this critical consideration: “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.” This highlights the potential danger of relying on an emergency car window breaking tool without knowing its limitations against laminated glass.
Identifying Tempered vs. Laminated Glass in Your Car
Fortunately, determining the type of glass in your car’s side windows is a straightforward process. Simply check the bottom corner of each side window for a small label. This label should clearly indicate whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated”. If the label is missing or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have a combination of both types of glass, with laminated glass in the front side windows and tempered glass in the rear, for example. Therefore, check each window individually.
Preparation is Paramount: Your Emergency Action Plan
Being well-prepared for a vehicle emergency significantly increases your chances of survival, especially if you and your passengers become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to ensure readiness:
Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape route in an emergency. Remember that standard emergency car window breaking tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with a Reliable Escape Tool: Keep an emergency car window breaking tool in your car that you are comfortable using, have ideally tested beforehand (where safe and legal to do so on scrap glass), and can easily access in a stressful situation. Spring-loaded tools are generally more effective for tempered glass. Consider tools that can be attached to your keychain or mounted on the dashboard or steering column for immediate access during a collision.
Keychain car escape tools offer convenience and quick access in emergencies.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Strategy: Create a clear exit plan and discuss it with all regular passengers. This proactive communication can prevent confusion and wasted time during an emergency. Also, consider a backup plan in case your emergency car window breaking tool is unusable or ineffective.
The “SURE” Acronym for Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E acronym to guide your actions:
- Stay Calm: While acting quickly is crucial, maintaining composure will help you make rational decisions and ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle when the time comes.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: If possible, attempt to roll down a window. However, if the car is submerged, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window is opened. If the window is stuck and you have tempered glass, use your emergency car window breaking tool to shatter a side window for escape. If submerged and windows are inoperable or laminated:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Once the pressure equalizes, you may be able to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style emergency car window breaking tools can be significantly harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle swiftly and move to a safe location.
- Call 911: After escaping to safety, call emergency services. While calling 911 is usually the first step in an emergency, prioritizing immediate escape is crucial if the vehicle is on fire or submerged.
Choosing the Right Emergency Car Window Breaking Tool
When selecting an emergency car window breaking tool, consider the following:
- Type of Tool: Spring-loaded tools are generally recommended as they have proven more effective on tempered glass in tests. Hammer-style tools might require more force, especially underwater.
- Reliability and Testing: Opt for tools from reputable brands and, if possible and safe, test the tool on a piece of scrap tempered glass to familiarize yourself with its operation.
- Accessibility: Choose a tool that is easily accessible in an emergency. Keychain models, dashboard mounts, or steering column attachments are good options.
- Additional Features: Some tools combine window breaking functionality with a seatbelt cutter, offering an all-in-one emergency solution.
Multi-functional escape tools enhance preparedness for various in-car emergencies.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge and the Right Tools
As Nielsen concludes, “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.” Equipping your vehicle with an emergency car window breaking tool is a vital step in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers. By understanding the limitations of these tools against laminated glass and taking proactive preparedness measures, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in a vehicle emergency.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, refer to this resource.
