Drowned in an EV

[F6Dave]

You may have heard that Mitch McConnell's sister-in-law died recently. I didn't hear any details until yesterday when I read that she drowned in her Tesla, and some of the high-tech features may have contributed.

Apparently she accidentally 'shifted' into reverse by tapping the wrong icon on the touch screen. She then backed into a pond and was unable to drive out. She couldn't open the doors or windows, possibly because the latches and window lifts were electronically controlled, and electronics don't function well under water. She called and texted people for help and they arrived quickly, but were unable to get her out. Everyone was helpless while the car filled with water and kept her locked in while she drowned.

How much high-tech features contributed to this tragedy is debatable, but I'm surprised at how quiet the press has been.

[Jess from VA]

What a terrible way to go.

Car windows can be broken, but you must use serious force or some kind of tool.

Had that been me, I'd have shot (then kicked) the window out.  And I carry tire irons and a 4-way and other tools.  Though I'm pretty sure the mechanical door handle would have worked (wet or not). 

If nothing else, one of those there to help might have tried to crash his car into hers in the pond to get a door or window open.  Heroic measures. 


Speaking of Teslas, I played tag with one yesterday on my Valk (in and out of traffic) (safely on both our parts, but fun).  Those are some fast cars for sure.  But they can't change lanes with a motorcycle.  So he lost.    

[Bret SD]

That was no accident, Tesla's can be hacked.. like any other computer.

At least she drowned before the car burst into an inferno.

[old2soon]

     When I was with the G V F D in Garrison Tx. I carried a spring loaded center punch. That was mid 70s early 80s and should the doors be jammed and FAST extraction was Needed that center punch Would turn the door glass into small cubes that were easily dispersed after the punch. At that time G V F D also had a Hurst tool with the 2 stroke engine. But I wasn't there and I have Zero idea how those computers wotk in a Tesla. My 06 Pontiac when put into drive the doors lock. When it's put in park the doors unlock. Opening my door from the inside can happen while driving or in gear at a stop.
     As a W A G the "news" may not carry the story cuz it do NOT fit the "agenda" of the green new world order. Had she been shot to death well we KNOW What THAT would have caused. RIDE SAFE.

[cagrote]

Some of the new glass today is unbreakable, it must be cut.

[NewValker]

I believe you’re right about car glass. There was a recent double murder in Worcester, MA., pics showed at least 20 bullet holes thru the drivers window, and it was still intact. Usually side glass just turns to pieces and falls away. Think it was a Nissan SUV.

Craig

[Sorcerer]

After market window tints are rather thick plastic and will hold the shattered glass together. Factory tints are generally tinted glass.

[cookiedough]

Tesla drivers are not very competent drivers around me.  They either go WAY too fast, or WAY too slow trying to hyper mileage them.   Drive the darn things NORMAL PLEASE!

[Jersey mike]

Long story short.

All auto glass (post 1940 or so) was at one time 1/4” laminated “safety” glass.

Sometime in the early ‘60’s I believe, only the windshields were laminated glass and the door glass became tempered “safety” glass and was the standard up to about 2010 or so where it transitioned back to laminated glass in the front doors…driver and passenger, the rears stayed tempered.

Cars from the ‘50’s had basically flat glass in their doors. As time went on and cars began have door glass with big curvatures tempered was a better option.

Laminated glass is very “soft” and cracks easily. Tempered glass is very tough and can take a beating.

The issue is with new regulations on MPG the need to make cars lighter. Glass is heavy…about 3 pounds p/sqft for 1/4” glass which is what all auto glass was at one time.

Tempered glass allowed for door glass to be thinner and still very strong and the thickness became appx 1/8” over time. This is very thin but still very strong to a point.

If you ever find yourself going into a pond, river or lake in a newer car, get the windows down asap. The battery should work for about a minute or so before the electronics short out. If not then get in the back seat and bust out the rear glass with a hammer or something very strong.

It’s easy to determine what glass you have, just look at the edge. Laminated glass will have a seam showing 2 pieces of glass bonded to the safety laminate. You may have to look closely but it should be there. Also, it may be noted on the safety stamp on the glasss.

[Hook#3287]

Apparently, most Tesla's have a emergency door release in the interior.

Unfortunately, they are not consistent in their location or access, even in the exact same model.

What an absolutely horrendous way to go.

And for her friends to be completely helpless, only able to watch, must have been terrible.