How to Escape a Sinking Car: Essential Safety Tips

Seeing those videos of cars in rivers is terrifying. Makes you wonder – what would YOU do? Turns out, there's a whole strategy you gotta know, and it starts with the windows...

• Your Windows are NOT All the Same

Some are basically unbreakable, especially in newer cars. That's GOOD in a crash, BAD if you're sinking. Those escape tools you see online? They might not even WORK on those fancy side windows.

• The Tool Is Still a Good Idea

It might not break the fancy glass, but those tools often have seatbelt cutters too. If the belts jam (which can happen!), that little blade can save your life. Experts like AAA say go for the "spring-loaded" kind over the hammer ones.

• The Escape Plan: S-U-R-E

This is the part you gotta memorize, 'cause panic will make you forget EVERYTHING:

1. Stay Calm (yeah right, but try!)

2. Unbuckle ASAP (or cut the belt)

3. Roll window down OR break if it won't budge

4. Exit fast! Kids first

• Timing is EVERYTHING

You only have SECONDS before the water's too high. No calling 911 'til you're OUT. This is why having that tool handy is so important.

How to Know What Your Car Has

Those little stickers in the corner of each window should tell you the glass type. Trouble finding them? Call the car company and ask.

Honestly, this whole thing is freaky. But being prepared is better than... well, the alternative.