Accidents are a frightening reality, and the thought of being trapped inside a vehicle, especially after a crash, is a terrifying scenario for any driver. Imagine being stuck in a car turned upside down or rapidly filling with water. While these extreme situations are, thankfully, not common, the risk is always present. In 2017 alone, there were approximately 8,000 instances of vehicles becoming submerged, and rollovers occur even more frequently. The crucial element for survival in such emergencies, and indeed any vehicle-related crisis, is readiness. This means staying calm, having a clear plan, and equipping your car with a reliable escape tool as part of a comprehensive emergency kit.
Understanding Car Escape Tool Effectiveness: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
When it comes to car escape tools, not all glass is created equal. To provide consumers with data-driven advice, AAA conducted thorough research on six different car escape tools, assessing their ability to break both tempered and laminated vehicle window glass. Their findings, detailed in a comprehensive report, revealed significant differences in performance. Notably, only four of the tested tools successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car windows. More alarmingly, none of the tools were effective against laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass panels cracked but remained intact, highlighting a critical safety consideration for modern vehicles. The research also indicated that spring-loaded tools generally outperformed hammer-style tools when breaking tempered glass, suggesting a potential advantage in emergency situations.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows in Modern Vehicles
The AAA study underscores the vital importance of carrying a car escape tool. However, it also brings to light a less known but equally critical factor: understanding the type of side window glass your vehicle has – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that an increasing number of new vehicles are equipped with laminated side windows. In fact, approximately one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated this nearly unbreakable glass in their side windows. Laminated glass is designed to enhance safety by significantly reducing the risk of occupant ejection during accidents.
John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword of safety advancements. “To enhance vehicle safety, more manufacturers are using laminated side windows. However, the majority of vehicles still include at least one window made of tempered glass.” He emphasizes the practical implications of these findings: “Our research demonstrates that car escape tools can be highly effective in an emergency. But this effectiveness is conditional. Drivers must know what type of side windows their car has. Otherwise, they risk losing precious seconds attempting to break glass that simply will not shatter with standard tools.” This knowledge gap could turn a potentially life-saving tool into a source of frustration during a critical escape.
Identifying Your Vehicle’s Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Locate the label situated in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly specify whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If this information is missing, or if there is no label at all, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also important to be aware that some vehicles use different types of glass in varying locations. For example, a car might have laminated glass in the front side windows and tempered glass in the rear side windows. A quick inspection of all side windows will provide a complete picture of your vehicle’s window composition.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Car Escape Plan
Being well-prepared in an emergency dramatically increases survival chances, especially if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following proactive steps to create a robust car escape plan and emergency kit:
Three Steps to Emergency Readiness:
1. Know Your Glass Type:
- Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Crucially, remember that standard car escape tools are ineffective on laminated glass.
2. Equip Your Emergency Kit with a Car Escape Tool:
- Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and, ideally, have practiced with beforehand. Ensure it is easy to reach in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools often come with keychain attachments for convenience. Consider mounting the tool to your dashboard or steering column to keep it secure and within reach even during a collision.
3. Plan and Communicate Your Escape Strategy:
- Develop a clear exit strategy in advance and communicate it to all regular passengers in your vehicle. This pre-planning minimizes confusion and wasted time during a real emergency, potentially speeding up the escape process. Also, create a backup plan in case the escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method – a simple yet effective mnemonic for quick and safe escape:
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S – Stay Calm: While urgency is paramount, maintain composure. Work swiftly but carefully to ensure everyone’s safe exit from the vehicle. Panic can lead to mistakes and delays.
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U – Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle as soon as possible. Check on passengers, especially children, to confirm they are prepared to move.
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R – Roll Down or Break Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. However, remember that in a sinking vehicle, opening a window will cause water to rush in rapidly. If the window won’t open, and you have tempered glass, use your car escape tool to break a side window. For submerged vehicles, remember these critical points:
- If windows are laminated and cannot be opened or broken, move to the rear of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Stay with the air pocket until the vehicle completely fills with water. Once this occurs, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door and escape.
- Hammer-style escape tools may be significantly harder to use underwater due to water resistance, making spring-loaded tools potentially more advantageous in submersion scenarios.
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E – Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle quickly and move everyone to a safe location away from immediate danger.
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Call 911: While contacting emergency services is usually the first step in any emergency, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritizing immediate escape is crucial. Call for help once you and your passengers are safely out of the vehicle.
Knowledge is Your Best Defense
As John Nielsen from AAA aptly states, “Knowledge is power. The more drivers understand about their cars – such as knowing their side window glass type – the better equipped they will be to handle emergency situations effectively.” Being informed and prepared with a car escape tool emergency kit is not just about owning a tool; it’s about having the knowledge and plan to use it effectively, potentially making the difference between a frightening experience and a safe escape.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, refer to this resource.
