How does one escape from the car if it plunges into water? lets assume the driver doesn't have glass breaker. power windows don't work under water. if one tries to open the door before the car sinks, would the water pressure prevent the door from opening?

I was reading about the very same thing this evening. I was thinking that if I found myself in such a position in my own car, since I have both automatic windows and doorlocks, I might find myself in quite a pickle.

First I looked up how to get out of a submerged car and found some good info here. Then I started looking at center punches, life hammers, and so on that might be small enough to EDC so no matter who's car I was in, I'd be better equipped for such a possibility.

The ResQMe looks like a handy item with a spring loaded center punch, seatbelt cutter, and quick detach keyring.

There may be some other items out there like this, but I just started looking and don't know for sure. If anyone knows of a similar item, please post a link if possible.

I just noticed that the ReQMe and LifeHammer are listed in Doug's Earthquake Kit. Doh!

Slow Draw MacGraw strikes again. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

By the way, as soon as you get in the water you should open the door and try to get out. Don't wait for the water pressure to equalize before you get out.

If you can open the door, do so, and it's worth a try. Best to get out quick if you can. But as I understand it, the weight of water soon makes it impossible even if the car is only partially submerged. The main thing is to understand why, and to realise that the door will open again when the car has filled with enough water to reduce the pressure difference. And until then you will have the air in the car to breath. So there's no need to panic just because the door won't open. People who don't know this may think they are trapped forever, and give up.

I hope Old Bald Guy will contribute. One of the benefits of militay training is going through a crash simulator upside down in the dark. About the only danger I face is driving Pacific Coast Highway. I have my window allready opened to smell the salt air and exchange non verbal communications with mid life crisis men in red sportscars anyway. Seriously, spend some time in a swimming pool, SUPERVISED and practise swimming through a door or window size framework of PVC pipe etc. I 'rescued' one car sinking. A man was backing his boat down the ramp at Tillamook Bay first day of summer. He hit the gas and panicked. I was trying to get underway for bar patrol. I watched the boat and trailer submerge, then the airstream camper and finally the truck. It takes a LOT of Horsepower and fear to manage that. I secured my lifeboat, took off my boots and waded into the water. I opened the door and unbuckled the seat belt. The driver could have drowned us both in the classic clinging reaction. I normally would have socked him. But, I was only up to my waist and more or less dragged him to high ground. My crew asked if I wanted the silver or gold livesaving or the Coast Guard medal. I said I wanted a dry pair of bellbottoms. These sardine like fish had come to shore in a huge school. One had swum up my left leg <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> First and foremost: take a deep breath mentally and physically if this happens.

Brangdon,
There was a show on tv where the little guy from Top Gear tested to see if the best way to get out of a car was to wait for it to sink to the bottom and than have the pressure equalize. He tried it and if I remember right was unable to open the door even though the water pressure was more or less even. So, from what thye said, the best option seemed to be; get out as soon as you hit the water or break a window and get out as fast as you can.

which window can the driver break easliy if he can't open the door? is it the rear window or side window? many new cars have plastic embeded in glass for sound insulation and bullet protection.

This is a great all around tool to carry, not only in your car. I think it is more substantial than the smaller pocket/keychain rescue tools.

http://slygear.com/e_m_t_knife_smith_wesson_first_response_rescue_knife_.html

the side windows, front windows are ment to protect you from impacts. You will not be able to scatter it.