Imagine the unthinkable: you’re trapped in your car after an accident. Perhaps your vehicle is overturned, or worse, sinking in water. While these scenarios are rare, the panic they induce is very real. According to a AAA research report, while vehicle submersion accidents are less frequent, rollover crashes are significantly more common. In any emergency situation, staying calm and having a plan is paramount. A crucial part of that plan should be a reliable Car Windows Breaking Tool.
But are all car escape tools created equal? And will they work when you need them most? AAA’s comprehensive research sheds light on the effectiveness of these tools, revealing some critical insights that every driver needs to know.
AAA Research: Effectiveness of Car Escape Tools on Different Types of Glass
To provide consumers with data-driven advice, AAA conducted rigorous testing on six different car escape tools. Their goal was to determine how effectively these tools could break both tempered and laminated vehicle glass. The findings were eye-opening:
The research revealed that only four of the six tested tools were successful in shattering tempered glass. More alarmingly, none of the tools were able to break laminated glass. Even after multiple attempts, laminated glass would crack but remain intact, essentially blocking escape. Furthermore, the tests indicated that spring-loaded tools were generally more effective at breaking tempered windows compared to hammer-style tools.
This difference in glass types is critical because it directly impacts the effectiveness of a car windows breaking tool.
The Growing Prevalence of Laminated Side Windows
While car escape tools can be lifesavers, AAA’s study highlights a crucial factor: the type of side window glass in your vehicle. Many drivers are unaware that an increasing number of new cars are equipped with laminated side windows. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 of the 2018 vehicle models featured laminated side windows. This nearly unbreakable glass is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of occupant ejection during collisions.
John Nielsen, Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA, points out this double-edged sword: “To improve safety, more cars have 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.”
Knowing the type of glass in your car windows is therefore not just helpful, but potentially life-saving.
How to Determine Your Car Window Glass Type
Fortunately, identifying the type of glass in your side windows is straightforward. Simply check for a label located in the bottom corner of each side window. This label should clearly indicate whether the glass is “tempered” or “laminated.”
If you cannot find a label or the information is unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly for clarification. It’s also important to note that some vehicles may have different types of glass in different locations – for example, tempered glass in the rear side windows and laminated glass in the front. Check each window individually.
Emergency Preparedness: Your S-U-R-E Escape Plan
Being prepared for a vehicle emergency dramatically increases your chances of survival. AAA strongly advises drivers to take the following steps to prepare and to know what to do if trapped.
Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Memorize your window type: Know whether your vehicle’s side windows are tempered or laminated. If you have at least one tempered window, identify it as your primary escape point in an emergency. Remember that standard car windows breaking tools will not work on laminated glass.
- Equip your car with a reliable escape tool: Choose a car escape tool that you are comfortable using, have tested (if possible, on a safe, non-essential piece of tempered glass), and keep it readily accessible. Spring-loaded tools, often available as keychains, are generally more effective. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for easy reach during a collision.
- Develop and communicate an exit strategy: Plan how you and your passengers will exit the vehicle in an emergency. Discuss this plan with everyone in the car to avoid confusion and wasted time when seconds count. Also, consider a backup plan if the car windows breaking tool is unusable or ineffective.
What to Do If Trapped in a Vehicle: The S-U-R-E Method
If you find yourself trapped in your vehicle, remember the S-U-R-E method for escape:
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Stay Calm: While acting quickly is essential, panic can hinder clear thinking. Remain calm to make rational decisions and ensure everyone’s safe exit.
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Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the vehicle as soon as possible.
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Roll Down or Break a Window: First, attempt to roll down a window. If the window operates, exit quickly. If the window is stuck and you have tempered glass, use your car windows breaking tool to shatter a side window. Remember, if the vehicle is submerged, water will rush in rapidly once a window is opened. If windows are laminated and cannot be broken, and the vehicle is submerged:
- Move to the back of the vehicle or locate any air pocket. Stay there until the vehicle completely fills with water.
- Once the vehicle is full, the pressure should equalize, potentially allowing you to open a door and escape.
- Be aware that hammer-style tools can be more difficult to use underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
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Exit the Vehicle: Once a window is broken or a door can be opened, exit the vehicle swiftly and help others to safety.
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Call 911: While calling emergency services is usually the first step in an accident, in situations like vehicle submersion or fire, prioritize immediate escape before calling for help.
Knowledge is Your Best Tool
As John Nielsen from AAA emphasizes, “Knowledge is power, and the more drivers understand about their car – like what type of glass their side windows are made of – the better prepared they will be in the event of an emergency.” Equipping yourself with a car windows breaking tool is a smart step, but understanding its limitations and knowing your vehicle are even more critical. Take the time to check your window type, prepare an escape plan, and ensure you have the knowledge and tools to react effectively in a vehicle emergency.
