Imagine the unthinkable: being trapped in your car after an accident, perhaps upside down or rapidly filling with water. While these scenarios are rare, the panic and danger are very real. In 2017 alone, there were approximately 8,000 instances of vehicles becoming submerged, and rollover crashes are even more frequent. The key to survival in such emergencies, or any vehicle entrapment situation, is preparedness: staying calm, having a plan, and equipping your vehicle with a reliable Car Vehicle Emergency Escape Tool.
AAA Research Highlights the Effectiveness of Car Escape Tools
To provide data-backed guidance for consumers, AAA conducted a thorough research report evaluating the effectiveness of various car escape tools. Their findings revealed crucial distinctions: while most tested tools effectively shattered tempered glass windows, none could penetrate laminated glass. This is a critical difference, as laminated glass is designed for enhanced safety and occupant retention during collisions, making it significantly stronger. Interestingly, the research also indicated that spring-loaded escape tools were more consistently successful at breaking tempered glass compared to hammer-style tools.
The Rise of Laminated Side Windows in Modern Vehicles
The AAA study underscores the importance of having a car vehicle emergency escape tool readily available. However, it also highlights an equally vital piece of information: understanding your vehicle’s side window type – tempered or laminated. Many drivers are unaware that laminated side windows are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles. In fact, about one in three 2018 vehicle models incorporated laminated side windows. This safety feature, while beneficial in preventing ejection during accidents, presents a challenge during emergencies requiring window breakage for escape.
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.”
Identifying Your Car’s Window Type: Tempered or Laminated
Determining whether your car has tempered or laminated side windows is straightforward. Simply check the bottom corner of your side windows for a label. This label should clearly indicate “Tempered” or “Laminated.” If there’s no label or the information is unclear, AAA recommends contacting your vehicle manufacturer directly. Keep in mind that some vehicles may have a mix of window types, such as laminated front side windows and tempered rear side windows. Knowing the glass type for each window is crucial for effective emergency planning.
Emergency Preparedness: Three Key Steps for Vehicle Safety
Being prepared can drastically improve survival chances if you and your passengers become trapped in your vehicle. AAA strongly advises drivers to take these proactive steps:
Pre-Emergency Preparation:
- Know Your Glass Type: Memorize whether your vehicle’s windows are tempered or laminated. If you have tempered glass windows, identify them as your primary escape points in an emergency. Remember, standard car vehicle emergency escape tools will not break laminated glass.
- Equip Your Vehicle with an Escape Tool: Keep a car vehicle emergency escape tool in your car that you are comfortable using, have practiced with, and can easily access in an emergency. Spring-loaded tools are often integrated into keychains for convenient carry. Consider mounting the tool on your dashboard or steering column for secure accessibility during a collision.
- Develop and Communicate an Escape Plan: Pre-plan your escape strategy and discuss it with all vehicle occupants. This proactive communication will minimize confusion during a high-stress emergency situation and reduce valuable escape time. Also, consider a backup plan in case your escape tool is unusable or ineffective.
The S-U-R-E Method for Vehicle Escape
In a vehicle entrapment emergency, remember the S-U-R-E method for a structured escape:
- Stay Calm: While speed is critical, maintain composure to act effectively and ensure everyone’s safe exit.
- Unbuckle Seatbelts: Immediately unbuckle all seatbelts and confirm everyone is ready to evacuate when the moment comes.
- Roll Down or Break a Window: Attempt to roll down a window if possible. However, if submerged, be aware that opening a window will rapidly flood the vehicle. If the window is inoperable and made of tempered glass, use your car vehicle emergency escape tool to shatter a side window for escape. In a submersion scenario, remember:
- If windows are laminated or cannot be broken, move to the rear of the vehicle or locate any available air pocket. Stay in the air pocket until the vehicle is fully submerged, allowing pressure to equalize, which may then enable door opening for escape.
- Hammer-style escape tools may be significantly harder to use effectively underwater compared to spring-loaded tools.
- Exit the Vehicle: Quickly exit the vehicle and move everyone to a safe location away from danger.
- Call 911: While typically the first step in an emergency response, prioritize escape first if the vehicle is submerged or on fire, then contact emergency services.
“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,” concludes Nielsen.
For a comprehensive list of vehicles equipped with laminated side windows, please refer to this list.
