If you ever find yourself in any perilous situation involving your car, knowing what to expect and being prepared can provide peace of mind, and maybe even save a life. Rule No. 1 is to keep your cool and help your passengers remain calm. Panic won't benefit anyone.

If your child (or pet) gets locked in the car, don't hesitate to pry open or break a window. Make sure it's the one farthest from the trapped passenger. Use whatever's handy, such as a jack tool from another car, a screwdriver, or some other sharp tool.

If you're not successful after just a few minutes, call 911.

See the survival strategies that we recommend for other harrowing driving predicaments, including: brake failure, car crash, car fire, overheating, and more.