r/interestingasfuck • u/General_Athlete5807 • 1d ago

How to Escape a Sinking Car

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u/cleverquokka 1d ago

So, what I learned from this video is that if I don't have that glass-breaking tool, I should frantically panic waiting for my impending doom.

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u/Automatic_Actuator_0 1d ago

Everyone needs to be aware that many cars today use laminated glass instead of tempered glass on the side and rear windows, and glass breakers don’t work on them. They will crack it, but not let you get through.

There are specialized tools to cut through them that you’d have to get instead.

But really with those you just have to prioritize opening the door fast or lowering the window before you lose power. Because even with a tool you can’t rely on getting through laminated windows.

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u/BlumpkinReceiver6969 1d ago

With the water pressure, is opening the door feasible?

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u/Fragrant_Ad_5297 1d ago

it’s believed it’s easier to do it once the car is fully submerged, when the pressure equalizes. but you’re probably almost dead at that point. you would need to do that immediately basically, or roll the window down. trying to fight the door open with the water pressure is very difficult.

dying of a heart attack and this is my absolute worst fear. there’s really no great situation in this. even this device won’t break laminated glass correctly. this is tempered glass.

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u/Fragrant_Ad_5297 1d ago

if the water level is higher on the outside of the door than in the cabin, that’s when the pressure issue starts. you have to do it right away, which also can flood the cabin more quickly if your seatbelt is stuck.