What to do when your vehicle is submerging?

[ceric]

Billionaire Dies After Accidentally Backing Tesla Into Pond

The sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, billionaire businesswoman Angela Chao, lost her life after backing her Tesla into a pond. Chao w...

youtu.be

This was an unfortunate tragedy.

It is critical what we do within the first 40 seconds if this happens to any of us.
Laminate side glass is not so easy to break even with a small hammer.

I checked the sideglass of all models on display at the dealership 2 days ago while I was waiting for oil change.
CX-30/CX-50: tempered glass
CX-5/CX-90: laminated
(all 2024 models)

These are the steps to take... according to the *expert* in video.
1. seat belt off
2. roll down side window (power should still be available for 30 seconds or so)
3. get out immediately (children first)

Personally, I think it should be 2-1-3...

 

[Conrad 16.5]

I have to wonder about the 30 second 'window' of time that the power 'should' be available to open the windows.

Assuming that's true. 30 seconds sounds like enough time but imagine yourself in this situation. First the shock of crashing, then the shock of being in the water and possibly floating. That 30 seconds is going to go by very quickly.

I agree, open the windows first. I also wonder if in an EV will you still have the 30 seconds vs a ICE car?

If you can't open a window, you had better get to work opening a door!

 

[wlong01]

There's a spring loaded punch device that some first responders carry for breaking window glass.
All cars should have them especially the ones near alot of water.

 

[Conrad 16.5]

There's a spring loaded punch device that some first responders carry for breaking window glass.
All cars should have them especially the ones near alot of water.

I have one of those but it's not in the car. It's a spring-loaded center punch similar to this one. I use it for wood and metal working.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

Of course, they have tools specifically for this purpose and most of those also have a seatbelt cutter incorporated into the tool.

 

[Koko_Bandit]

Billionaire Dies After Accidentally Backing Tesla Into Pond

The sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, billionaire businesswoman Angela Chao, lost her life after backing her Tesla into a pond. Chao w...

youtu.be

This was an unfortunate tragedy.

It is critical what we do within the first 40 seconds if this happens to any of us.
Laminate side glass is not so easy to break even with a small hammer.

I checked the sideglass of all models on display at the dealership 2 days ago while I was waiting for oil change.
CX-30/CX-50: tempered glass
CX-5/CX-90: laminated
(all 2024 models)

These are the steps to take... according to the *expert* in video.
1. seat belt off
2. roll down side window (power should still be available for 30 seconds or so)
3. get out immediately (children first)

Personally, I think it should be 2-1-3...

The in rush of water will make getting the seatbelt off more difficult. I agree with the order recommended.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Always scenarios battery is taken out from impact before submerging in the water so no use of windows.

Is sunroof glass laminated on ‘24s as well?

 

[commotoed]

also, don't drive under the influence...

Angela Chao, Mitch McConnell's sister-in-law, was drunk when she drove into pond, police say

Angela Chao, a shipping industry CEO and sister-in-law to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, was intoxicated when she drove into a pond and died last mo...

youtu.be

 

[wlong01]

Actually #1 should be -- don't get wasted and then try to drive your car.

 

[jbsx]

Put it in drive and pull the plug so it'll drain

 

[Silly Wabbit]

I also think window should be first, BUT i can see why the seatbelt is important. When the water rushed in, you'll likely panic and can't get seatbelt off, especially when you have precious cargo in the backseat.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[CX5Nut]

It's since been reported that her blood alcohol level was 3 times over the legal limit to drive. Still a tragedy for her and the family.

 

[sloniupl]

I've got in my car something like that (in the armrest):

Baseus Online | Baseus Sharp Tool Safety Hammer (Window breaking + Safety belt cutting) Dark gray

Baseus Sharp Tool Safety Hammer (Window breaking + Safety belt cutting) Dark gray

baseusonline.com

Hopefully will not have to use it but looks like it would work.

 

[N7turbo]

There's a spring loaded punch device that some first responders carry for breaking window glass.
All cars should have them especially the ones near alot of water.

According to the news report I saw, laminated glass can't be easily broken.

Also, unless you crash into a saltwater lake, the electronics should still work for a little bit.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

This $190 tool will get you through laminated glass

Fire

Powerful, Portable, All-in-One Rescue Tools For Firefighters The LIFELINE FIRE™ is the original and internationally known flagship tool. It's engineered to serve as a personal self-extrication and egress device for firefighters. The tool is extremely effective for low profile wall breaching...

lifelinerescuetools.com

 

[N7turbo]

You know, it wouldn't be hard to use a sensor to detect when the car is submerged and automatically roll down the windows.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Assuming the events that occurred prior to submerging don’t take out the battery. I’ve seen more wrecks with prior submersion damage than just a direct launch into the water. Doubtful any manufacturer but really high end are going to install secondary batteries to the power window motors.

 

[AL Cx5]

I have one of those but it's not in the car. It's a spring-loaded center punch similar to this one. I use it for wood and metal working.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

Of course, they have tools specifically for this purpose and most of those also have a seatbelt cutter incorporated into the tool.

I have a knife that has a seat belt cutter and punch on the end. I keep it in my door tray in my truck.

After reading this, I'll get on for the CX 5 as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Wonder if a hammer after use of this tool will help crack the laminated?

Star Break Maker - Windshield Laminated Glass Punch - Delta Kits

Spring loaded centering punch, Star Break Maker, create star breaks in practice glass. Adjustable tension, simulate different types of damage

www.deltakits.com

 

[Conrad 16.5]

You know, it wouldn't be hard to use a sensor to detect when the car is submerged and automatically roll down the windows.

Most electric motors don't work well while submerged.