Learning to Escape

In some situations, jumping from a moving car can be a matter of life and death. Whether you are in an impending collision or being kidnapped, staying in the car may be more dangerous than jumping out. However, jumping from a moving vehicle is not an easy task, and it requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will provide you with a practical guide on how to survive jumping from a moving car.

Step 1: Slow Down

The first step in escaping from a moving car is to slow down the vehicle as much as possible. If you are driving and need to escape from a moving car, using the brakes is the first step. If that does not work, pull the emergency brake. Slowing down the vehicle's momentum will lessen the impact when your body hits the ground, potentially reducing the risk of injury.

In 2008, a man in New Zealand had a bad drug trip and jumped from a moving car on Auckland's Harbor Bridge. The vehicle was traveling at about 80 kilometers per hour, and the man rolled a few times before coming to a stop. However, he then jumped off the bridge and fell into the water about 43 meters below. Despite the terrifying height, he survived and swam to safety, suffering only minor injuries.

Step 2: Pad Yourself

When things go wrong, you may need to think fast. If there is time before making your escape, look around for any loose items that you can use as padding. Grab pillows, blankets, newspapers, napkins, or anything that will soften your landing. Try to stuff anything you can into your clothes, creating makeshift padding that a football or hockey player would wear. Even if you are not able to grab any padding before jumping out of a moving vehicle, you may still survive. In early 2021, a female passenger jumped out of a moving car in Fresno, California. Although she hit her head on the car's rear tire, she miraculously survived. The driver of the vehicle said the woman had been drinking and had no idea why she jumped.

Step 3: Clear for Landing

If you have time, roll down the window or at least take a look around. Try to determine if the place where you land is clear of obstacles that could cause pain or injury. Look for any big rocks, trees, barriers, cliffs, oncoming traffic, or anything that could make your fall even more dangerous. If possible, look for a good target for a slightly softer landing, like grass or dirt.

Step 4: Tuck and Roll

It's essential to avoid landing on your arms or feet. Take a deep breath, crouch, and make your move. Get as low as you can and tuck your arms and legs up tightly to your chest. The more compact your body is, the more protection there is around your vital organs. Wrap your arms and hands around your head to reduce your injuries. Try to land on your back between your shoulder blade and your spine, but do not fall directly on your shoulder. When you hit the ground, start rolling away to help disperse the energy. This will help you slow down a little more gradually and hopefully be gentler.

Step 5: Don't Be Stupid

Jumping from a moving car is not a game. It can have severe consequences, and you should never do it unless it is absolutely necessary. In 2018, the internet was graced with the "In My Feelings" challenge. Unfortunately, some people joined the challenge and foolishly jumped out of their moving cars as they danced, sang, and lip-synced along with Drake's song "In My Feelings." This was followed by people getting hurt in Florida, where a man chasing his 15 minutes of fame got hit by a car. It got so bad in Spain that the police put together a compilation video of people getting hurt while jumping out of cars and running into lamp posts. The police hoped their video would discourage any more internet fame seekers.

Despite the dangers, there are situations where jumping from a moving car may be the only option to save your life. For example, if you are in a foreign country and are being kidnapped or if you are in an impending collision, staying in the car may be more dangerous than jumping out. In such situations, knowing how to survive jumping out of a moving car could be the difference between life and death.