You can't open the door to a sinking car. When a car hits the water, the electricity will short out so you'd better have a manual window crank. You can shatter the window using keys.
Aquatic car crashes are terrifying. Anyone who has ever driven over a bridge has probably thought about it, at least once. So it's no wonder there are so many myths and legends surrounding it.
Does any of that advice work? Thankfully, the Mythbusters took an extensive look at the best ways to get out of a sinking car.
You can't open the door until the cabin has completely flooded, equalizing the pressure: true. Adam Savage is completely unable to open the door as his vehicle sinks, until it is completely filled with water.
The electricity will short out: false. There is a good chance you will be able to roll your windows down, if you can get them open before the car sinks. Once the windows are under water, neither manual crank nor electric windows will be able to roll down, thanks to the extreme pressure.
You can shatter the windows with keys: false. The Mythbusters tried this method and found it lacking. However a purpose-built window-smashing hammer works great.
Come visit LCM Used Car Center, where our number one concern is our customer's well-being. That's why when you come to our service center for a repair, we're going to do the best job possible. A well-maintained car is a safe car.
