Car manufacturers are taking new safety measures when it comes to windows.
But one local fire rescue crew says the special kind of glass could cause major problems.
- Equipment cost $1,300 for East Lake Fire Rescue
- Car manufacturers changing side car windows
- Could make rescues harder, especially under water
It only takes a couple of seconds to break a car window using a spring loaded pick.
"It will shatter the tempered glass that's in most cars," said Lt. Gary Hurlbut with East Lake Fire Rescue.
Hurlbut said many car manufacturers are changing side car windows to laminate safety glass to prevent more passenger ejections.
However, Hurlbut said that type of glass will make car rescues harder, particularly under water.
"It's a life and death situation. Every minute does count," he said.
The department purchased new equipment to address the issue.
"For $1,300, we've got a pretty nice life safety tool," Hurlburt said.
The new window breaking equipment included a heavy duty pick and a glass cutting drill that works under water.
The department gave Bay News 9 a demonstration, and we timed a complete window removal at 30 seconds.
"Well worth the investment," Hurlbut said.
Laminate glass is already used for car windshields. To check if your vehicle has it for the side windows, check the small label in the bottom corner.