I recently found myself pondering the best way to escape from a sinking car, especially after hearing a tragic story about a girl who drowned after her car went underwater. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here's what I've learned: the first thing you should do is unbuckle your seatbelt as soon as you realize you're going into the water. Next, try to get the window down right away. If it's electric, you've got about 30 seconds before it shorts out, so don't waste any time! It's hard to kick out a window, but if you have to, aim for the front part of the window by the hinges to give yourself the best chance. Also, keep a center punch tool handy in your car for emergencies. And remember, try to avoid opening the door until the car is fully filled with water; the pressure makes it much harder. Anyone with tips or personal experiences related to this?
3 Answers
One thing to consider is that if you’re stuck in your seatbelt while the car is sinking, it’s better to wait and take it off right before you hit the water. Hitting water can feel like a brick wall, and you don’t want to risk injury before you even start trying to escape! Plus, learning how to use your headrest to break the glass can really be a lifesaver too!
Just a heads up, newer cars typically have laminated glass on door windows which can complicate breaking them. However, if you manage to break it, it’s usually easier to get out once the car is sufficiently filled with water. Remember, the back window might be your best shot in an emergency, especially if you are upside down!
Mythbusters actually tackled this topic in-depth, and they even experimented with several glass-breaking tools. They highlighted how tricky it can be if your car flips over after hitting the water—definitely worth checking out their episodes on YouTube. A viewer once shared how their advice saved their life in a similar situation!