Imagine the sheer panic of being trapped inside a vehicle, especially in a critical situation like being submerged in water or overturned. While these scenarios are thankfully rare, the potential danger highlights the importance of preparedness. In 2017 alone, approximately 8,000 vehicles were involved in submersion incidents, significantly less frequent than rollover crashes, which occurred over ten times more often. In any vehicle emergency, staying calm, having a predetermined plan, and equipping your car with a reliable safety tool to break car windows can be life-saving measures.
To empower consumers in choosing effective emergency tools, AAA conducted a comprehensive study evaluating six different car escape tools. Their research focused on assessing the tools’ ability to break two common types of car window glass: tempered and laminated. The findings revealed that only four out of the six tools successfully shattered tempered glass, the type commonly found in most car windows. Crucially, none of the tested tools could penetrate laminated glass, which merely cracked upon impact and remained intact. Further testing also indicated that spring-loaded safety tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools.
It’s important for drivers to recognize the increasing prevalence of laminated side windows in newer vehicles. Approximately one in three 2018 car models incorporate laminated side windows. This type of glass is intentionally designed to be nearly unbreakable to minimize the risk of occupants being ejected during accidents. While laminated glass offers enhanced safety in collisions, it presents a significant challenge in emergency escape situations.
“The automotive industry’s move towards laminated side windows enhances vehicle safety, yet most cars still include tempered glass windows,” notes John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair at AAA. “Our research underscores that while vehicle escape tools can be effective in emergencies, their utility hinges on drivers knowing their vehicle’s side window type. Without this knowledge, valuable time can be wasted attempting to break windows that are designed not to shatter.”
Determining whether your car windows are tempered or laminated is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a маркировка. This label will clearly state “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If the label is absent or unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer for definitive information. It’s also worth noting that some vehicles may have a combination of window types, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows.
Being prepared for a vehicle emergency significantly increases survival odds, especially if occupants become trapped. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following proactive steps:
Three Essential Steps for Emergency Preparedness:
1. Know Your Glass Type:
- Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If your car has any tempered windows, these will be your best escape points in an emergency. Remember, standard safety tools to break car windows are ineffective against laminated glass.
2. Equip Your Car with a Safety Tool and Practice:
- Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your vehicle. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and, ideally, practice with it beforehand (on an appropriate target, not your car window!). Spring-loaded tools are often integrated into keychains for convenience. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column to ensure it stays within reach even during a collision.
3. Develop and Communicate an Exit Strategy:
- Create a clear emergency exit plan and discuss it with all regular vehicle occupants. This pre-planning can prevent confusion and expedite escape during a crisis. Also, establish a backup plan in case the safety tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped in Your Vehicle: The S-U-R-E Escape Method
In a trapped vehicle situation, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
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Stay Calm: While speed is crucial, maintain composure. Act deliberately and cautiously to ensure everyone’s safe evacuation.
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Unbuckle Seat Belts: Immediately release all seat belts and confirm everyone is ready to exit when the moment comes.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. Be aware that if the vehicle is sinking, opening a window will rapidly flood the car. If the window won’t open and you have tempered glass, use your safety 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 towards any available air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle is completely filled with water. Once equalized pressure, it should be possible to open a door and escape.
- Note that hammer-style escape tools may be harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
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Exit the Vehicle Quickly: Get everyone out of the car and move to a safe location.
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Call 911: While normally the first step in emergencies, prioritize immediate escape if the vehicle is submerged or on fire. Call emergency services once safely out of the vehicle.
“Empowering drivers with knowledge about their vehicles, such as understanding their side window glass type, is paramount for emergency preparedness,” concludes Nielsen. By taking proactive steps and equipping themselves with the right safety tools to break car windows (when appropriate), drivers can significantly enhance their chances of survival in unforeseen vehicle emergencies.
