SF Gate: Freak fire traps man inside Audi...

[Andrew Duane USG]

Hairy green toads from Mars made Darringer, Chris say:

> I have heard stories about people trapped in sinking cars, etc.  I also have
> this (mis)conception that, if I really needed to, I could give any one of my
> windows a swift kick (or jab) and knock it out.  I mean, people break
> windows to steal stuff, surely I could break a window to save my own life,
> right?
>
> Is it harded than I think to punch out one of these windows?

Yes.

Car windows are tempered glass. They are very hard to break with
blunt force. What is needed is a sharp point. Sears sells little
spring loaded punches that will let my 75 year old mother break
a window. They're under $10. In a pinch, a metal pen might work,
even a piece of jewelery (like a ring).

Also, don't overestimate how much room you have to build up force
inside a car. It is a lot more cramped than you think when you
try to swing an arm or a leg.

--

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane at zk3.dec.com
Compaq Computer Corporation		(603)-884-1294
110 Spit Brook Road
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698