Car accidents are frightening events, and the aftermath can be just as terrifying. Imagine being trapped in your vehicle after a collision, unable to open the doors, with time running out. This is where car escape tools come into play, promising a quick solution to shatter windows and escape. But in a real emergency, has anyone actually used a car escape tool effectively? And more importantly, can you rely on them when seconds count?
New research from AAA sheds light on the effectiveness of these tools, revealing some crucial realities that every driver needs to understand. While these tools can indeed be lifesavers in certain situations, they aren’t a universal solution for every car emergency.
The Reality of Car Escape Tools: Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
AAA’s study rigorously tested a range of vehicle escape tools, both spring-loaded and hammer-style, to see how they performed against different types of car windows. The results were eye-opening. Almost all the tested tools could break tempered glass, the type found in many car side windows and rear windows. However, none of them could penetrate laminated glass.
This is a critical distinction because laminated side windows are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles. In fact, about one in three 2018 models have them. Laminated glass is designed for enhanced safety, primarily to prevent occupants from being ejected during a crash. It’s incredibly strong, similar to windshield glass, and even when cracked, it tends to stay in one piece.
Greg Brannon, director of Automotive Engineering for AAA, emphasizes the importance of this knowledge: “To improve safety, more vehicles are being equipped with 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.”
How do you know what kind of glass your car has? Check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. It should indicate if the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.” If there’s no label, or you’re unsure, contact your vehicle manufacturer to find out. Be aware that some cars have different types of glass in different windows – for example, laminated in the front side windows and tempered in the rear.
Types of Car Escape Tools and Their Effectiveness
The study evaluated both spring-loaded and hammer-style escape tools. They found that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass than hammer-style tools. However, remember that no tool in their testing could break through laminated glass.
Another crucial factor, especially for situations where a car is submerged in water, is the type of tool. Hammer-style tools can be significantly less effective underwater due to the resistance of the water against the swing. Spring-loaded tools might be a better option in such scenarios, though the AAA research did not specifically test underwater performance.
AAA advises against choosing tools with extra features like lights or chargers, as these don’t improve the tool’s primary function – breaking glass. Focus on a tool that is simple, robust, and easy to use.
Preparing for the Unexpected: AAA’s S-U-R-E Method and Tips
While the effectiveness of car escape tools depends on the type of glass in your car, being prepared for an emergency is always crucial. AAA strongly recommends these steps:
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Know Your Glass: Determine whether your car windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape route. Remember, standard escape tools won’t work on laminated glass.
- Equip Yourself: Keep a car escape tool in your vehicle that you are comfortable using, have practiced with, and can easily reach after an accident. Test your tool on a piece of soft wood to ensure it works – it should leave a small indent if functioning correctly.
- Plan Your Escape: Develop an exit strategy and discuss it with your passengers. This will minimize confusion during an emergency. Also, have a backup plan in case your escape tool is ineffective or unusable.
If Trapped, Remember S-U-R-E:
- Stay Calm: Panic can waste precious time. Act deliberately and cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Ensure everyone is unbuckled and ready to evacuate.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: First, try to roll down a window. If that’s not possible and you have tempered glass, use your escape tool to break a side window. If your car is sinking, be aware that water will rush in rapidly once the window is opened. If windows are laminated and won’t break, move to the back of the car or find an air pocket and wait for the pressure to equalize to potentially open a door.
- Exit the Vehicle Quickly: Get everyone out of the car and to a safe location.
- Call 911: Once you’re safe, call emergency services. In situations like submersion or fire, escaping should be your immediate priority before calling for help.
Choosing and Using a Car Escape Tool
When selecting a car escape tool, prioritize simplicity and reliability. Choose a tool you find easy to handle and store it in an accessible location, such as your glove compartment or center console. Make sure it’s secure so it doesn’t become a projectile in a crash but still within reach when you need it most.
While anecdotal evidence of people actually using car escape tools in real emergencies might be scarce in readily available reports, the potential for these tools to save lives in specific scenarios is undeniable, particularly when dealing with tempered glass windows. The key takeaway is to be informed about your vehicle’s glass type, be prepared with the right tool, and have a plan. Knowing how to react could make all the difference in a critical situation.
Methodology
For detailed testing methodology, refer to the full report from AAA.
About AAA
AAA is a not-for-profit organization committed to automotive safety and member services, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance, and financial services across North America.
