The fear of being trapped in a car during an emergency is a universal one. Whether it’s a submerged vehicle or a rollover crash, having an Emergency Hammer Car Escape Tool can be the difference between life and death. While these incidents are relatively infrequent compared to other types of accidents, preparation is key to survival. This article will discuss the importance of having a car escape tool, the different types available, and how to use them effectively.
Understanding Car Window Types: Tempered vs. Laminated
Before choosing an emergency hammer car escape tool, it’s crucial to understand the type of glass used in your car’s windows. There are two main types:
- Tempered Glass: This type of glass shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces when broken, making it easier to escape through. Older vehicles and some newer models still use tempered glass for side windows.
- Laminated Glass: This type of glass is composed of two layers of glass bonded together by a layer of plastic. It’s designed to resist shattering and hold together even when cracked, providing increased protection in rollovers and preventing ejection. Laminated glass is increasingly common in newer car models, often used for windshields and increasingly for side windows.
AAA research indicates that approximately one in three 2018 vehicle models feature laminated side windows. Knowing which type of glass your car has is vital for selecting the right escape tool and planning your escape strategy.
Choosing the Right Emergency Hammer Car Escape Tool
Various car escape tools are available on the market, each with its pros and cons:
- Spring-Loaded Tools: These tools use a spring mechanism to concentrate force on a small point, effectively breaking tempered glass. AAA testing revealed that spring-loaded tools were more successful at breaking tempered glass than hammer-style tools.
- Hammer-Style Tools: These tools resemble small hammers and require manual force to break the glass. While effective on tempered glass, they might be less effective than spring-loaded tools and more challenging to use underwater.
Escaping a Submerged or Overturned Vehicle: The S-U-R-E Method
In a car emergency, remembering the acronym S-U-R-E can guide your actions:
- Stay Calm: Panic hinders clear thinking. Take deep breaths and focus on the task at hand.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Ensure everyone in the vehicle unbuckles their seatbelts immediately.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down the windows first. If this fails, use your emergency hammer car escape tool on a tempered glass window. In a submerged vehicle, remember water will rush in once the window is broken. If dealing with laminated glass, move to an air pocket at the back of the vehicle until the pressure equalizes, allowing you to open a door.
- Exit the Vehicle Quickly: Once a window is broken or a door opened, exit the vehicle as swiftly and safely as possible, assisting others as needed. Call 911 once you are in a safe location.
Essential Preparation Steps
- Identify Your Car’s Window Type: Check the small label in the corner of each window to determine if it’s tempered or laminated. Contact your vehicle manufacturer if the label is missing. Remember, standard escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Acquire and Test Your Tool: Purchase a reliable emergency hammer car escape tool and familiarize yourself with its operation. Consider a spring-loaded tool for optimal effectiveness.
- Plan Your Escape Route: Discuss potential escape routes with passengers, emphasizing the location of tempered glass windows if present. Having a pre-determined plan can significantly reduce reaction time in a crisis. Store the tool in an easily accessible location, such as attached to the keychain, mounted on the dash, or secured to the steering column.
Conclusion
An emergency hammer car escape tool is a small but potentially life-saving device. By understanding the different types of car window glass, choosing the right tool, and developing an escape plan, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in a critical situation. While hoping never to need it, being prepared for the unexpected is crucial for your safety and the safety of your passengers. For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, consult the AAA’s resource document. You can find it here.
