The Best Way to Escape a Locked Car in an Emergency

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Panic may affect your judgment; take a deep breath and assess the situation.
• Check to see if any doors or windows can still open normally.

2. Try to Unlock the Doors

• Use the manual lock/unlock button if the power locks fail.
• Some vehicles feature an emergency release lever—look near the handle or under the door panel.

3. Roll Down or Break a Window

• If the power windows function, roll one down to escape.
• If they don’t work, break a window with a hard object such as a headrest, tool, or your elbow (as a last resort).
• Aim for the window’s borders or corners, avoiding the center, which is the strongest section.

4. Use a Window-Breaking Tool (if available)

• Emergency escape equipment, such as a spring-loaded punch or vehicle hammer, can easily shatter windows.
• Keep these tools easily accessible, such as in the glove box, center console, or door pocket.

5. Kick Out the Side Window (as a Last Resort)

• Sit with your back against the seat and face the window.
• Kick at the bottom corners of the side window with both feet, using maximum force.
• Front windshields are built to withstand breaking; concentrate on side windows.

6. Escape Through the Trunk (if possible)

• Sit with your back against the seat, facing the window.
• Use both feet to kick at the lower corners of the side window with maximum force.
• Front windshields are designed to resist breaking—focus on side windows.

7. Signal for Help

• If you are unable to get out, keep honking the horn.
• To draw attention, turn on hazard lights or use a flashlight/phone screen to attract attention.

Preventative Measures

• Keep an emergency escape tool in your vehicle at all times.
• Make sure that windows and doors function correctly on a regular basis.
• Children and passengers should be taught how to manually unlock doors.