What to do When Your Car Plunges into Water
It’s a Terrifying Experience
Vehicles leaving the road and landing in deep water cause more than 400 deaths each year. Plunging into the water with your car is a terrifying experience; it is easy to panic when it happens.
The most important rule is to try to stay calm when your car goes into the water and assess the situation.
Remove Safety Belt
Your chances of surviving the first impact of the water are greatly improved if you use your safety belt.
After hitting the water, it is best to unbuckle the safety belt as soon as possible. If children are in the car, unbuckle the oldest child first and then the younger ones. Older children may assist in helping the younger ones.
While Your Vehicle is Floating
Your car will only float on the surface for 30 seconds up to several minutes. If windows or doors are open the vehicle will sink faster than if closed.
You should not waste time calling for help while inside the car. You must make every attempt to get out of the vehicle immediately.
Windows – Your Primary Escape Route
Because of the nose-down position in the water, opening a door can be difficult or even impossible. Therefore, you should start by Rolling down windows as soon as possible. Power windows may short out, but they usually work if you attempt to open them right away.
You must escape through the open window if you cannot open a door.
Get out as quickly as possible. Once out of the vehicle, swim to the surface. If you become disoriented, orient yourself by following the air bubbles.
When Windows Do Not Open
If you cannot open the door or window, you will have to wait until the pressure inside and outside the vehicle is equal. When the water along the window is to your shoulder, try to open the door.
If the door opens, a rush of water will fill the vehicle. Try not to panic. Take a deep breath, and then leave through the door.
The average person can hold their breath for one or two minutes.
A Pocket of Air
If you cannot open the door or window, the car will slowly fill with water, but a small air pocket will exist near the vehicle’s highest point, usually the back seat.
If you cannot open a side window, climb over the seat and move to the air pocket, take a breath, kick the window out – or use a tool to break the window. If you live close to water, having a window-breaking tool within reach in the car may be a good idea.
Never try to break or kick out the windshield. Windshields have glass that doesn’t shatter. Other windows are usually made with tempered glass and will shatter easier.
Leave through the window with your feet first and try to protect your face.
Summary
If your car ends up in water, the importance of keeping a clear head cannot be stressed enough.
Your life depends on your ability to stay calm and make quick decisions.
Remember these three strategies to save yourself and your passengers:
- Stay Calm
- Unbuckle the safety belt
- Open Windows
