University of Manitoba: More on Prof. Gordon Giesbrecht A Manitoba professor of Canada (also known as ) File:Flag of Canada.svg completed a study examining escape strategies from sinking cars — using real cars and real people. Gordon Giesbrechtrecommends a four-step system to escape a sinking car: Remove seatbelt, free children, open window, get out. (CBC) "Most people are surprised to know that seven to 10 per cent of all drownings in Canada are in vehicles," said University of Manitoba professor Gordon Giesbrecht. As a result of his tests, he suggests people follow four steps: