In the past, laminated glass was usually installed in the windshield, with side and rear windows being tempered only.

The difference is that tempered glass is per-stressed so that when it cracks, it shatters into many tiny and dull pieces. Laminated is the same thing, but with layers of plastic sandwiched with layers of tempered glass. Laminated glass will still shatter, but will be held together by the plastic layers.

In an emergency, small improvised, or purpose built tools meant to shatter tempered glass will be useless if the glass is laminated.

  • @phoneymouse
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    13 months ago

    Will that work when you’re submerged underwater and the pressure of the water is pushing against the glass?

    • @cynar
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      63 months ago

      The recommended (and slightly terrifying) advice is to let the car fill first. Basically, use the time and air to prepare yourself. When the car fills, the pressure will equalise, and you can push the windscreen out with your feet.

      Unfortunately, unless you’ve thought it through beforehand, most people panic.

    • @repungnant_canary
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      23 months ago

      I would assume that when shattered it becomes flexible so you can move it out of the way