How To Escape From A Car Hanging Over The Edge Of A Cliff

If the front doors are over the edge of the cliff, move slowly to the rear of the car and get out. ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KARP
Say your car goes out of control and it comes to a stop hanging over a cliff. What should you do?
Do not shift your weight or make any sudden movements.
Determine how much time you have to get out of the car.
If the vehicle is like the majority of cars, it is a front-wheel drive with the engine in front. This means the bulk of its weight is over the front axle. If the rear, rather than the front, is hanging over the cliff's edge, you probably have more time to climb out. If the front of the car is over the edge, assess your situation: What is the angle of the car? Is it teetering? Does it sway when you shift your weight? If the car is shifting, you must act quickly.
If the front doors are over land, use these doors to make your escape, regardless of which way your car is facing.
Open the door gradually, move slowly, and get out.
If the front doors are over the edge of the cliff, move to the rear of the car.
Proceed slowly and deliberately--do not jump. If you have a steering wheel lock or a screwdriver, take it with you--you may need it to get out.
Will opening the rear doors cause the car to slide? If not, open them slowly and get out quickly.
If you think that opening the rear doors will cause the car to slide over the edge, you must break a window.
Without shifting your weight or rocking the car, use the steering wheel lock or screwdriver to shatter a rear door window (this is safer than breaking the back window because it will require less movement as you climb out). Punch it in the center--the window is made of safety glass and will not injure you.
Get out as quickly as possible. Be aware.
In situations involving several people, everyone in the front (or everyone in the back) should execute each step together.
If the driver and passengers are in both the front and rear seats, the people closest to the edge of the cliff should attempt to get out first.
ADAPTED FROM THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK: TRAVEL, BY JOSHUA PIVEN AND DAVID BORGENICHT, ©2001 BY BOOK SOUP PUBLISHING. USED WITH PERMISSION OF CHRONICLE BOOKS, LLC (http://www.chroniclebooks.com).