Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Land
Step1
Leave your seat belt on. When you realize that the bridge is going to collapse and you will be falling, your first instinct might be to release your seat belt. It is important that you leave your seat belt buckled until you are sure that all chances of impact are over. This is true whether the bridge is over water or land.
Step2
Roll down your window if the bridge is over water. A vehicle will take longer to sink than most people realize. And it will take at least a few minutes after being in water before the car's battery will fail. Even if you have electric windows, you will most likely have time to roll down a window.
Step3
Stay in vehicle until you are sure that all chances of impact have passed. If the bridge is over land, you will probably be tempted to exit your vehicle as soon as you land. Just because your vehicle has stopped moving it does not mean that all other vehicles have stopped. You do not want to get out of your vehicle while other vehicles are still falling.
Step4
Remain calm. Although it is difficult not to panic in an emergency situation, your chances of being able to survive a bridge collapse are much greater if you stay calm. Take deep breaths to help prevent panic. Preserve your energy for when it is time to get out of the vehicle and swim or walk to safety.
Water
Step1
If your car falls into the water, allow some water to come into the car before trying to get out. Your first instinct to survive is to get out of the car immediately, but you have to allow pressure to equalize before you will be able to open the car door or work your way out of a window.
Step2
Wait for the water level to get to your chest before attempting to get out of the vehicle.
Step3
After the water level has risen to your chest it is time to exit the vehicle. Opening your car door is the easiest way. If you cannot get the car door open, exit through a window. When you get clear of the vehicle, take a minute to orient yourself and then swim or walk to safety.
