Life-Saving Tools: Why Every Car Should Have A Glass Breaker

Even if you consider yourself a safe, experienced driver, there are times when you may find yourself in a tricky situation and off-road.

To put this into perspective, each year, there are thousands of submerged vehicle incidents. This may be due to the fault of another driver losing control, adverse weather conditions, a fire, or a loose animal or misplaced object that causes you to swerve unexpectedly. In these scenarios, you may find yourself trapped in your vehicle, whether on the ground or in a lake or pond.

This is when life-saving tools come into play. Having the tools to break your vehicle’s window and release yourself, as well as any others in the car, is crucial to your well-being.

In this guide, we discuss must-have life-saving tools to invest in. We also give insight into why these tools should be stored in your car. Read on to discover more.

Which Tools Should You Invest In? 

One of the most prevalent life-saving tools to invest in includes a glass breaker. One consideration? Glass breakers are only compatible with vehicles without laminated windows. This emergency tool is something to keep in your glovebox at all times. It won't break the bank! Another bonus? It will take up little space.

Yet, despite its size it can assist you in removing yourself from a sticky situation, such as being submerged under water.

When selecting a tool, choose one that fits your lifestyle, as well as the style of your vehicle. There are a few common choices available, these include:

• Emergency Hammer Tool: These compact devices come in hot-hued plastic. This makes them easy to spot in a crisis. They boast a pointed steel end, which sits on the hammer face. This helps to crack the glass. They also feature a blunt end that can bash through glass.
• Spring Loaded: Another prevalent tool boasts a spring-loaded pin, which, to action, needs to be pressed directly into your car’s glass to break it. This is ideal for those with more compact vehicles and those who don't have great arm strength. There is no need to swing the hammer to break the glass. Spring-loaded tools are generally more effective on tempered glass. This is something worth knowing before purchasing either of the above.
• A Portable Glass Breaker: As the name suggests, this is a compact emergency tool. Despite being able to be stored in a glove compartment or carry, its powerful pointed tip can shatter various glass types.
• A Seat Belt Cutter: This dual-function tool boasts a seatbelt cutter and a glass breaker. It will safely assist you in removing trapped seatbelts and windows in an emergency. It features both a sharp blade and a pointed tip.
• A Portable Power Pack: This is a must-have investment for those who often drive long journeys or enjoy off-road adventures. The built-in battery will power devices in an emergency, the pointed end can break glass.
• A Keychain Car Escape Tool: This unique glass-breaking tool features a compact design. This is ideal if you often switch vehicles. Instead of forgetting to transfer your glass-breaking device to another car, you can carry it on a keyring. The benefit? You have it with you at all times.

Which Glass-Breaking Tool Is Right For You?

This is entirely dependent on your needs and the glass of your car. Consider your lifestyle and the type of journeys you embrace regularly.

Keen to invest in a sturdy glass-breaking tool? Invest in an emergency hammer or escape tool.

Is a lightweight, compact design your go-to? A portable glass breaker will be more apt.

Why Do I Need A Glass Breaker?

Most car accidents result in side windows becoming shattered. A glass-breaking tool is crucial if your car is submerged, on fire, or side-on. This is where this device becomes your lifesaver. It is something that will help you to remove yourself from a dangerous situation.

How Do You Use A Glass Breaker?

Using a window breaker is easy when you know how. First, locate the glass you wish to break. Secondly, if using a hammer style, hold the breaker tool securely in your hand and strike the glass with the pointed end. Repeat this method until the glass shatters.

The Bottom Line

Glass breakers are a crucial piece of safety equipment for all drivers. Irrespective of whether driving for short or long distances, for leisure or work.

Provided you do your research, learn more about the glass your car boasts, and which equipment is compatible, you're on your way to investing in the correct safety tools for your vehicle.

The result? Peace of mind. No one wants to end up in an off-road, dangerous situation, yet if we do, you want to know you have the equipment to remove passengers from the vehicle.

In summary, always stay calm in these situations. Another point? Learn how to use the tools in advance. The last thing you want to be doing? Trying to locate your instruction manual! Particularly when trapped in a lake or under a tree!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the winter outdoors space, focussing on skiing and snowboarding. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.