MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS INCREASING exponentially, but it isn’t all good. The tendency for power windows to trap people in submerged cars has been extensively reported, and an example during the recent floods demonstrates this dramatically. A man and his partner were (stupidly) driving through a series of floodwaters in NSW when their ute’s engine ingested water and died. The ute started washing away from the road and downstream. The man (who was driving) was able to release his seatbelt but was unable to open the doors because with no power, the electric door locks would not operate. His partner was having difficulty undoing her seatbelt as the car submerged. As the man pointed out, fortunately his side window was lowered, because the power windows also wouldn’t operate. Had his window been up (as would normally be the case when it’s raining) they would both have been trapped. He was able to escape through his side window, and then release his passenger.
As we understand it, a new Australian Design Rule specifies that powered windows and door locks must remain operational for some time (ten minutes, as we recall) after being inundated, but despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find confirmation. If you’re silly enough to drive through floodwaters, can we suggest you carry a window hammer like those fitted to coaches (the one illustrated at the top of this article sells for around $10 and others can be found for as little as $3 up to around $30), or drive with your windows down. The best advice however, is to buy a combination unit that allows you to quickly and safely cut a jammed seatbelt and then break window glass. Some have a fluoro strip to make them easier to locate in the dark.