The thought of being trapped is unsettling, but the reality of being stuck in a car after an accident – especially one that’s overturned or submerged – is terrifying. While these extreme situations are statistically rare, any car accident can become an emergency where precious seconds count. Having a plan and equipping your vehicle with a Car Xscape Tool can be the difference between life and death.
AAA’s in-depth research (report) highlights the effectiveness of car escape tools in critical situations. Their studies revealed crucial insights into how these tools perform against different types of car window glass, information that every driver needs to know.
The Critical Need for a Car Escape Tool
Imagine the scenario: you’re in a car accident. Perhaps you’ve veered off-road, or been involved in a collision. Doors are jammed, seatbelts are stuck, and panic starts to set in. This is precisely when a car xscape tool becomes invaluable. It’s not just about extreme scenarios like submersion; it’s about any situation where normal exits are compromised.
While events leading to vehicle submersion are less frequent, rollover crashes are significantly more common. Regardless of the specific accident, the ability to quickly exit your vehicle can drastically improve survival chances. A car escape tool, readily available and understood how to use, is a vital component of your vehicle’s safety preparedness.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Understanding Your Windows
AAA’s testing brought to light a critical distinction: not all car windows are created equal. They tested several car escape tools on both tempered and laminated glass, revealing significant differences in tool effectiveness.
Tempered glass, the more common type in car side windows, is designed to shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces upon impact. Laminated glass, increasingly used in newer vehicles, is constructed with a plastic layer between two layers of glass, making it significantly stronger and resistant to shattering. AAA’s research found that while some car escape tools effectively shattered tempered glass, none could break laminated glass. Instead, laminated glass would crack but remain intact, posing a significant barrier to escape.
The study also noted that spring-loaded car escape tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools. This is crucial information for consumers choosing the right tool for their needs.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows
The automotive industry’s focus on safety has led to an increase in the use of laminated side windows. Approximately 1 in 3 new vehicle models in 2018 incorporated laminated side windows, primarily to reduce occupant ejection during accidents. While this is a positive safety development, it complicates emergency escape scenarios.
As John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out, “To improve safety, more cars have laminated side windows – but a majority also have at least one window made of tempered glass.” This means drivers need to be aware of their vehicle’s window type to effectively utilize a car escape tool. Without this knowledge, precious time can be wasted attempting to break unbreakable glass.
Identifying Your Car Window Type: A Simple Check
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Locate the label in the bottom corner of your side windows. This label should clearly state “Tempered” or “Laminated”. If the information is unclear or absent, contacting your vehicle manufacturer is recommended.
It’s also important to note that vehicles can have a mix of window types, with laminated glass in the front side windows and tempered glass in the rear, for example. Knowing the glass type for each window is crucial for planning your escape strategy.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Plan
Being prepared is paramount in any emergency. AAA strongly advises drivers to take proactive steps to enhance their safety in potential vehicle entrapment situations.
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass: Memorize whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. Identify which windows, if any, are tempered, as these will be your primary escape points if you have a car xscape tool. Remember, standard tools are ineffective on laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle: Keep a car escape tool readily accessible in your car. Choose a tool you are comfortable using and ideally, practice with it (on a safe material, not your car window!) to understand its operation. Spring-loaded tools are often keychain-sized for convenience, and mounting options for the dashboard or steering column ensure the tool remains within reach during a collision.
- Plan Your Escape: Develop a clear escape strategy and communicate it to all vehicle occupants. Discuss potential exit points and how to use the car xscape tool. Having a backup plan is also vital in case the tool is inaccessible or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Escape Method:
In a vehicle entrapment emergency, remember the S-U-R-E steps to guide your escape:
- Stay Calm: Panic is your enemy. While speed is essential, controlled actions are more effective in ensuring everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately release all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle.
- Roll Down or Break Window: Attempt to roll down a window first. However, if submerged, be aware that opening a window will rapidly flood the vehicle. If windows are inoperable and you have tempered glass, use your car escape tool to break a side window. Remember, for submerged vehicles:
- If windows are laminated and unbreakable, move to the back of the vehicle or any air pocket. Wait until the vehicle is completely filled with water to equalize pressure, which may allow a door to open.
- Hammer-style car escape tools can be significantly harder to use underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit Vehicle: Once an escape route is open, evacuate quickly and move to a safe location away from the vehicle.
- Call 911: While calling emergency services is usually the first step, in situations like submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before contacting emergency responders.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge and a Car Xscape Tool
As Nielsen emphasizes, “Knowledge is power.” Understanding your vehicle, particularly the type of glass in your windows, and being equipped with a car xscape tool can significantly enhance your safety and survival chances in a vehicle emergency. Preparation and the right tools are your best defense against the unthinkable.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles with laminated side windows, refer to the AAA’s resource here.
