If your car ever falls into water while all the doors and windows are tightly closed, the pressure from the outside will make it almost impossible to open the doors. That’s why many experienced drivers make it a habit to slightly lower their car windows when crossing bridges — a small action that could save their lives in an emergency.

Why you should lower the windows when crossing a bridge

Although cars may seem watertight, they actually aren’t completely sealed. Water can still seep in through small gaps in the air-conditioning system or the pressure-balancing vents near the rear of the vehicle.

So, when a car plunges into a river, water quickly enters the cabin and causes it to sink rapidly.
If all windows are closed, the pressure difference between the inside and outside makes it nearly impossible to open the doors. Only when the cabin is completely flooded — and pressure is equalized — can the doors be opened, but by then, it’s usually too late.

That’s why rolling down the window immediately gives passengers a far better chance of escaping before the car sinks.

A lesson learned from real accidents

After the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in the U.S. earlier this year, many American drivers shared a long-known safety tip passed down through generations:

“When you drive across a bridge, roll down your window slightly — just in case.”

This simple but life-saving piece of advice has become a common survival rule among drivers in the United States.

What if the window won’t open?

Always keep a window breaker or seatbelt cutter in an easy-to-reach spot inside your car, such as the door pocket or near the driver’s seat. Practicing how to use these tools — and rehearsing your escape plan — can help you stay calm and act quickly in an actual emergency.

If you can’t lower the window

Of course, sometimes it’s not possible to open the windows — for example, during heavy rain or storms. In that case, if your car falls into water, stay calm, unbuckle your seatbelt, and wait until the water level inside the cabin almost reaches your shoulders. When the pressure equalizes, push the door open firmly and swim out.

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👉 In short: When driving across bridges, slightly lower your windows to stay prepared for unexpected accidents. This tiny precaution could dramatically increase your chances of survival.