What is the 60-Second Rule for vehicle submersion?

In a vehicle submersion accident, you have roughly 60 seconds to escape before water pressure makes opening the doors or breaking the windows nearly impossible. Acting immediately — before the car fully fills with water — is critical to survival.

What is the S.U.R.E. method for escaping a sinking car?

S.U.R.E. stands for: Stay calm, Unbuckle your seatbelt, Roll down or break the window, and Exit the vehicle. This four-step framework is designed to guide drivers through the critical first moments of a vehicle submersion accident.

What is the best tool to break a car window underwater?

Spring-loaded window punches — such as the Resqme — are the most recommended tools for breaking car windows during a submersion. They require no swinging motion, which is critical when space and time are limited. Keep one clipped to your keychain or sun visor so it is always within reach.

Why can't I break my car window underwater with my hands?

Many vehicles manufactured after 2018 use laminated side windows, which are significantly harder to break than traditional tempered glass. A spring-loaded punch tool is essential — hands and improvised objects are often ineffective, especially on laminated glass.

How do I escape a sinking car in Arkansas?

Use the S.U.R.E. method: Stay calm, Unbuckle your seatbelt immediately, Roll down or break the window before water pressure builds (you have roughly 60 seconds), and Exit through the window — not the door. A spring-loaded window punch kept within reach dramatically improves your chances.

Vehicle Submersion Safety Resources

Critical Knowledge

The 60-Second Rule

In a vehicle submersion, you have roughly one minute to escape before water pressure makes it nearly impossible to open doors or break windows.

In the first moments after impact, the car is still floating. Water pressure on both sides of the door is nearly equal, and windows — if electric — may still respond. This is your window of opportunity.

As the car sinks, pressure equalizes differently across surfaces. Doors become impossible to open until the car is fully submerged and interior pressure equalizes with the exterior — but by then, escape becomes far more difficult without a tool. Act in the first minute. Do not wait.

A timeline of submersion

0–30s

Car is floating

Electric windows may still work. Best time to open a window and exit. Act now.

30–60s

Car begins sinking

Electric systems may fail. A glass punch is critical here to break the window.

60s+

Doors become impassable

Water pressure outside far exceeds what a person can push against. Escape is possible but significantly harder without tools.

Step-by-Step

The S.U.R.E. Method

A four-step framework designed to cut through panic and give you a clear action plan. Practice it now so it's automatic when it matters.

S

Stay Calm

Panic is the enemy of survival. Take one breath, focus on the steps. Your phone, your belongings — none of it matters. Your only job is to get out. Tunnel vision on the exit.

U

Unbuckle

Release your seatbelt first, before the car fully submerges. Belts can jam under pressure. If yours won't release, use the cutter on your escape tool. Assist children and passengers next.

R

Roll or Break

Try to roll the window down immediately. If power is out or it won't open, use your escape tool on a side window — not the windshield (windshields are designed not to shatter). Aim at the corner of the glass for best results.

E

Exit

Get out immediately. Children first — push them through the window and follow immediately. Swim to the surface at an angle toward the light. Do not re-enter for belongings.

Know Your Vehicle

The Glass Challenge

Research from AAA shows that many vehicles manufactured after 2018 use laminated glass on side windows — the same technology used in windshields. Standard spring-loaded punches may not break laminated glass.

Tempered Glass

Most vehicles pre-2018

Shatters into small, relatively safe pieces on impact. Spring-loaded punches and hammer tools are both effective. Look for the "T" marking in the corner of the window.

Laminated Glass

Many vehicles post-2018

Does not shatter — stays in place after impact. Standard punches often fail. Look for "AS1" or "AS2" markings. If your car uses laminated side glass, prioritize a specialized tool.

How to check your vehicle

Look in the lower corner of your side window for small text etched into the glass.
If it reads "AS1" — it is laminated. If "AS2" — also likely laminated on newer vehicles.
Check your owner's manual under "windows" or "glazing specifications."
Search your vehicle's make, model, and year + "laminated side windows" for confirmed reports.

If you have laminated glass, use a specialized tool rated for it and focus on targeting the corner or edge of the glass.

Equip Yourself

Recommended Safety Tools

Full tool guidance and what to avoid is on our main tools section.

View Safety Tools

Watch & Learn

Educational Videos

These videos offer practical, expert-led demonstrations of vehicle submersion escape. Watch them now — before you ever need the information.

How to Escape a Submerged Vehicle

A clear step-by-step demonstration of what to do when a vehicle enters water — and why acting quickly in the first minute is critical.

How to Escape a Sinking Car

ABC News works with law enforcement's underwater recovery team to demonstrate step-by-step escape techniques in real conditions.

GMA: Escaping a Submerged Car

Good Morning America works with Indiana State Police's Underwater Search and Recovery team to put escape techniques to the test in real conditions.

What every driver needs to know