"If stuck in a car and need to get out, you should be able to just kick the windshield and escape"

That myth was busted by Mythbusters.
You can open a window in a submerged car by attempting to break the window using steel-toed boots.
busted

Boots are ineffective.




Note the use of the item I mentioned that was confirmed:

"You can open a window in a submerged car by attempting to break the window using a spring-loaded center punch.
confirmed. The point of the punch can work like the tip of the hammer, and punches are sold for the purpose of breaking window glass. The punch breaks the window on the first try".



Mythbusters