Those who drive for a living are exposed to certain risks, like collisions, more frequently than the general population. To minimize those risks, the best step to take is to practice defensive driving every day on the road. But despite all the precautions being taken, the unexpected sometimes still takes place. So, if you are a taxi, rideshare, or delivery driver, you might want to learn how you can escape from a vehicle in an accident in case it ever happens.
Quick Navigation
First Things First
Seatbelts
Minimizing the risks preemptively will go a long way in case of an accident. The first thing to do once you’ve entered your vehicle is to make sure you and anyone else you may be traveling with have fastened your seatbelts. Some people disregard this step, especially those traveling in the backseat, but a seatbelt can be the deciding factor between life and death in case of an accident – it reduces injuries and death by about half.
Projectiles
Anything that is not secured in your vehicle can become a projectile during a crash. A laptop, sports equipment, a cane, a grocery bag – though these items may seem harmless, they can become a serious hazard when they are propelled across your vehicle at a high rate of speed, hitting you or your passengers. Travel as lightly as possible and store every object you can in the trunk or in the storage compartments behind the seats.
Survival Tools
Keeping tools like a seatbelt cutter or a glass breaker in your glove compartment can greatly help in case of an accident. Carrying a first-aid kit will help you address any possible wounds to minimize the damage while you wait for emergency services to arrive.
Escaping From a Vehicle
Breaking Windows
One of the most useful escape methods to learn in case of a car accident is how to properly break a window. Certain situations may cause the systems in your vehicle to malfunction, making it impossible to open the windows. If you don’t have a glass-breaking tool, you can use the headrest poles to hit the glass with. Remove the headrest from the seat by pressing the release buttons. The best spots to hit on the glass are the edges of the side windows. When you manage to break the window, remove the remaining pieces of glass with the headrest frame to escape without cutting yourself.
Escaping From a Sinking Car
When a vehicle hits the water, it may remain afloat for a short period of time. Take advantage of this and attempt to exit the vehicle before it fully submerges. Once it starts to submerge, do not let it fill with water before opening the doors – the water pressure on the doors will make them impossible to open underwater. Unfasten your seatbelt, open your window as soon as possible, and swim to safety. If the window does not function, break it using a tool or your headrest so you can exit the vehicle.
Escaping From a Flaming Car
Explosions are rare in vehicles during an accident (in non-electric cars), but despite that, the toxic fumes emitted during a fire present a real danger to your health. If a fire erupts in your vehicle while you’re driving, signal and immediately move to the side of the road. Park the car, turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline, and make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle. Move at least 100 feet away – do not try to put out the fire yourself, unless it’s a very small, controlled fire, as there is a risk of explosion or fume inhalation.
If it’s not immediately possible to get out of the car due to a problem with the doors, unlock the doors and windows so that rescuers can get a better chance at opening them from the outside. Get your seatbelt off quickly, before the heat can cause the metal of the buckle to fuse to the anchor. If necessary, break a window to escape.
Escaping From a Malfunctioning Parked Car
Car entrapment is a more common occurrence than people think, and it can present serious danger. Car owners should study the vehicle’s manual to make sure they know if there are any emergency handles that can be used in such situations. Certain vehicles possess a backup for the electric system that can unlock the doors or windows in case of engine failure. It’s also important to always carry a charged cell phone and to check the battery charge on the key fob every two or three years. You can also keep a spare key and store it in a safe location.
If you find yourself trapped in a car, check every door and window to see if one will open. If your cell phone is charged, call for help. You can also attract the attention of passersby by pounding on the window or honking the horn if it works at that moment. If someone approaches the car, ask them to try to open the door using the outside handle. If all else fails, break the window.
Final Thoughts
The best way to keep yourself safe is to do everything in your power to prevent an accident. Rest properly, remain hydrated, drive within the speed limits, and obey the laws. Don’t let your emotions or other distractions reduce your focus on the road. Make the road safe for yourself and others.