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2007-08-04 11:27:41 · 14 answers · asked by xtraudinair 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
It's better not to drive off the bridge at all of course, but if you insist on doing it, have the windows open because the pressure will be such that the doors will not open until pressure equalizes to allow you to escape. Myth Busters did a program on just that.
2007-08-04 11:36:42 · answer #1 · answered by oklatom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are very fast to get out the door when your vehicle hits the water, you would want them down if at all possible. You would be unable to open the door once the car began to sink and the water level got about halfway up the side of your door on the outside.
Manuel or electric, it doesn't matter. The pressure the water will exert on the exterior of your vehicle will prevent you from opening the windows until the inside cabin of the vehicle if full of water. By that time you may drown.
They did this on the show Mythbusters not long ago on Discovery Channel. Once the water level on the exterior got up equal to the top of the door, Adam was unable to open the door and once the water level got up over the window, he was unable to open the window due to the weight the water put on the outside of the window. He later proved that it did not matter if the windows were electronic or manual, either way it was too much pressure for the window motor to roll down and it was also too much pressure for the mechanical crank to support (the crank arm would break).
The windows were also unable to be broken unless he had some special type of tool (it was some type of hammer) to break the glass.
They constantly re-air their shows or you may even be able to watch it online. It was an interesting episode.
2007-08-04 18:41:34 · answer #2 · answered by tidefan2k4 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Reading about the failure of the Minneapolis bridge this first week of July, it would seem that if all your windows are closed up, you may have some extra air time until you can get the windows or doors open after hitting bottom. You will have to let the car fill up with water to get the doors open. If you have electric windows, you might give them a last try to open before reaching bottom. You would, of course, want to be sure all other passengers, esp. children get out first. They will find their way to the surface. If your car lands on its wheels, you many find there is a tiny air pocket above the front seat. Use that air to get others out of your car. Do not panic. Plan ahead. Know what to do in this situation.
2007-08-04 18:42:15 · answer #3 · answered by Phillip S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manual windows. Up, this slows down the rate of the water coming into your car, maintains an air pocket until the pressure equalizes. This gives you time to think, and to gather your wits. Then you can roll down the windows as you take a deep breath exit the window and go to the surface.
Electric windows : Down, the water will probably cause the electrical system to short out.
2007-08-04 18:33:50 · answer #4 · answered by Morgan S 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would say down, for two reasons, one the impact could shatter your glass, and even though it is safety glass that can still do damage, second if you do have power windows as someone already suggested the electricity won't work most likely. Either way you will have to have to be quick, and react. If you have loved ones or friends in the car, make sure to try to help if you can, unbuckle them, make sure they aren't stuck, etc... This is only my opinion, and I could very well be wrong. I don't think anyone is ever really prepared for such an event as that.
2007-08-04 18:40:46 · answer #5 · answered by ironman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
down on all kinds of cars. when the water hits your car it has a pressure against your windows and doors so it will be harder to even try and break the windows.
you should have your windows down, and also make sure you keep a "razor" in your car so that you may cut off the seatbelt.
happy diving!
2007-08-06 09:53:10 · answer #6 · answered by Random Black Woman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Down in order to get out quick. If the windows are up the water pressure would not allow you to open the door.
2007-08-04 18:33:08 · answer #7 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Morgan S is of course correct. Also, if you can't get your windows to open try kicking out the back window as it is not made as break proof as the front. Front window are stronger because there is more chance of flying debris hitting your front window and injuring you than the back.
Saw it on a show about protecting oneself in case of accident.
2007-08-04 18:39:24 · answer #8 · answered by Choqs 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's better to have them down, so water can get into the car, you can open the door, get out from the car, and swim up to the surface.
2007-08-04 18:33:40 · answer #9 · answered by robertonereo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Down.
2007-08-04 23:11:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋