AAA Report: How To Escape A Submerged Vehicle

Car makers' efforts to prevent us from being ejected in crashes could make it more difficult for us to escape if our car plunges into water.

One-in-three newer model vehicles have at least partial or all laminated glass windows which Fire Lt. Brandon Allen admits are virtually impossible to break, even when using a spring-loaded or hammer-style escape tool.

How do you know what type of windows you have?

Look on the bottom corners of every window in your car, which should clearly state if the glass is tempered or laminated, memorize it, and don't even try to break out the glass of the laminated ones.

Or, you can check out this list of vehicles that have laminate windows.

AAA also released a safety manual with tips on how to escape your car if it becomes submerged.

If trapped in a vehicle, remember there is a S-U-R-E way out:

• Stay calm. While time is of the essence – work cautiously to ensure everyone safely exits the vehicle.
• Unbuckle seat belts and check to see that everyone is ready to leave the car when it’s time.
• Roll down or break a window – remember if the car is sinking in water, once the window is open the water will rush into the car at a faster rate. If the window will not open and the car has tempered glass, use an escape tool to break a side window to escape. Drivers should also remember that:
  • If a window will not open or cannot be broken because it is laminated, everyone should move to the back of the vehicle or wherever an air pocket is located. Stay with it until all of the air has left the vehicle. Once this happens, the pressure should equalize, allowing occupants to open a door and escape.
  • If the vehicle is submerged, a hammer-style escape tool (as opposed to a spring-loaded-style) could be much harder to swing underwater.
• Exit the vehicle quickly and move everyone to safety.
• Call 911 – while this is typically the first step in an emergency, if a vehicle has hit the water or is on fire, it is best to try to escape first.

If all else fails, once water fills the car pressure should equalize and allow you to open your door and escape.