Accidents are a harsh reality we face on the road. While no one wants to imagine being trapped in a vehicle, especially in a rollover or submersion scenario, preparation is key to survival. Although these situations are statistically less frequent than other types of accidents, the potential danger they pose is significant. In 2017 alone, thousands of crashes involved vehicle submersion, while rollover accidents occurred even more often. Having a well-thought-out plan and readily available Emergency Car Escape Tools can drastically improve your chances and those of your passengers in such critical moments.
Recent research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of car escape tools, specifically in breaking different types of automotive glass. Their comprehensive study rigorously tested six different tools to assess their ability to shatter both tempered and laminated glass, the two main types used in vehicle side windows. The findings revealed a crucial distinction: while several tools effectively shattered tempered glass, none managed to penetrate laminated glass. Interestingly, spring-loaded emergency car escape tools outperformed hammer-style tools in breaking tempered windows during multiple tests.
An important factor highlighted by the AAA study is the increasing prevalence of laminated side windows in modern vehicles. Many drivers are unaware that newer cars, particularly 2018 models where approximately one in three are equipped with them, are incorporating laminated side windows. This type of glass is designed for enhanced safety, specifically to prevent ejection during collisions, making it significantly stronger and harder to break than tempered glass.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To improve safety, more cars have laminated side windows – but a majority also have at least one window made of tempered glass.” He emphasizes the practical implication of their research: “vehicle escape tools can be life-saving in emergencies, but only if drivers are informed about their vehicle’s side window type. Without this knowledge, valuable time can be wasted attempting to break glass that is virtually shatterproof.”
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 absent or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also worth noting 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, checking each window is advisable.
Being well-prepared for a car emergency dramatically increases survival odds, especially when occupants are trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to enhance their preparedness:
Three Essential Steps for Emergency Readiness:
1. Know Your Glass Type:
- Crucially, memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember that standard emergency car escape tools are ineffective against laminated glass.
2. Equip Your Vehicle with a Reliable Escape Tool:
- Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable handling, have tested beforehand (if possible, on a safe material, not your car window!), and can reach easily in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools often come with keychain attachments for convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column to ensure it remains within reach even during a collision.
3. Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan:
- Pre-plan your escape strategy and communicate it clearly to all passengers in your vehicle. This proactive step minimizes confusion and delays during a real emergency, potentially saving critical seconds. Also, devise a backup plan in case the emergency escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Steps to Vehicle Escape:
In the terrifying event of being trapped in your car, remember the S-U-R-E acronym to guide your escape:
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Stay Calm: While urgency is paramount, maintaining composure is crucial. Act swiftly but deliberately to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately release all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle once an exit is possible.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: If the car is submerged, understand that opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window can be opened normally, do so. If it’s jammed and your car has 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 back of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Stay there until the car completely fills with water, equalizing the pressure, which may then allow a door to be opened for escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style escape tools might be significantly harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded models.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once an escape route is open, evacuate quickly and move everyone to a safe location away from the vehicle.
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Call 911: While typically the first step in an emergency, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritizing immediate escape is paramount. Call for emergency services once you are safely out of the vehicle.
In conclusion, as Nielsen aptly states, “Knowledge is power.” The more drivers understand about their vehicles, including the type of side window glass installed, the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations effectively. Investing in emergency car escape tools and taking the time to prepare an emergency plan are not just precautionary measures; they are vital steps that can significantly increase your chances of survival and ensure the safety of everyone in your vehicle.
