How to Jump from a Moving Car

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Last Updated: February 22, 2024

Jumping out of a moving car is not something to be taken lightly. It is quite dangerous, and you will almost certainly sustain some injuries. However, there are some instances where staying inside a moving car is actually more dangerous (or deadly) than jumping out, like if you've been kidnapped or if the car is going to crash and you can't stop. By waiting for the right moment, making your move with confidence, and landing properly you can successfully survive jumping from a moving car.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Waiting for the Right Moment

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Jumping from a moving car is very dangerous, so if you must do it, you need to protect yourself. Grab any soft materials you can find in the car—e.g., clothing, newspaper, a stuffed animal—and stuff it into your clothes. Any little bit of padding can go a long way toward helping to break your fall.^{[1]
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Before you leap from a moving car, you need to make sure you can survive the fall. 30-35 miles per hour should be about the maximum speed for jumping. Another way to determine the speed of the car is to watch the mile markers and count the length of time it takes to travel each mile. (If it takes 120 seconds to travel one mile, then you are going around 30 mph).^{[2]
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If the car is travelling faster than 30-35 mph, you need to find a way to slow the car down. Think of a way to distract the driver, such as pointing out something on the side of the road, or making a very loud noise. Any small distraction may cause the driver to remove their foot from the gas pedal.^{[3]
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Another way to jump at a slower speed is to wait for the car to turn. In order to turn, the driver will need to slow down quite a bit, creating an opportunity for you to jump. If you are planning to jump from the left side of the car, wait until the car is making a right-hand turn. Conversely, if you plan to jump from the right, wait until the car is making a left-hand turn.^{[4]
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Part 2

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Making Your Move

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1
Look for a soft place to land. Scope out the area around you and try to locate a soft place to land. A field, a patch of grass, or a pile of leaves is probably your best bet. Look for a place that is “five seconds” away from you (meaning you could count to five before you reach it).^{[5]
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- In addition to finding a soft place to land, you must find a place that is free from obstructions.
- You want to jump without crashing into a road sign or fence, and you want to avoid landing on broken glass or other objects.^{[6]
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When you swing open the door, it is crucial to make sure you open it all the way. You need space to jump with conviction, and you do not want the door to hit you on your way out.^{[7]
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3
Jump away at an angle. When you jump from a moving car, you want to be sure that you won’t be run over by it. So jump backwards and away from the car. Try to propel yourself at a 45-degree angle from the rear of the vehicle.^{[8]
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- Jump far to avoid the car and make sure your head is pointed further behind the car than your feet. You will be less likely to roll towards the vehicle using this method.

Part 3

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Landing Properly

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As soon as you exit the vehicle, tuck your body into a tight ball. This is the safest way for you to land. Hug your arms around your body and scrunch up your legs.^{[9]
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Position yourself so that your back is what hits the ground. It is important to land on the center of your back, not your shoulder! The center of your back is a large area, which means the force of the impact will be distributed, and you will be less likely to get hurt.^{[10]
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Whatever you do, do not try to break the fall with your hands! Do not put your arms out! This is a very common instinct, but you must avoid it. If you put out your arms, you could break your wrists.^{[11]
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4
Roll when you hit the ground. As soon as you feel the impact of the ground, allow your body to roll. You will be travelling at a high speed, and even when you land you will experience forceful inertia. Allowing yourself to roll helps to distribute the impact and prevents you from sliding.
- An alternative method is to slide on your back with your head tucked forward. This will distribute your weight and the abrasive force over a wide area. This works best for motorcycle races crashes on flat race tracks.^{[12]
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Will rolling help break my fall and distribute force from impact?

Community Answer

Yes.

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What if you are sitting on the back of the car, and it's going like 20mph?

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You shouldn't jump out of a car unless it's an emergency. But, if it really is an emergency, it's pretty much the same rules.

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How do I jump out of a moving car without getting run over?

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Jump out as far as you can and make sure you have enough leverage for a good push.

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