How to Escape A Submerged Car Filled With Water

Not sure how to escape a submerged car? Now is the time to learn. Drivers need to have knowledge on how to escape a sinking car, it could happen to anyone and you need to be ready. Here are the simple steps required to escape a flooded car.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    

   If you are headed toward water in your car do not undo your seat belt, you will need the help when bracing for impact. You also need to brace your arms so they do not flail and injure you which could prevent you from being able to escape. Hold your arms up like the letter "X", hold them close to your chest and cover your face with your hands.

2. 
    

   Remain calm, when you panic your brain cannot function right in an emergency situation. Keep a cool head and follow these steps.

3. (In this scenario we are going to assume the car is rapidly filling up with water and sinking). Undo your seat belt, unlock your door and attempt to roll down the windows, remember that even though submerged the power windows will still work for around 2 minutes or so. If you can roll down the windows use your upper body strength to pull yourself out of the window head first, do not kick.

4. 
    

   If the windows will not open you will have to wait until the car is fully submerged and the pressure on the car equalizes. While you are waiting try to find an air pocket near the top of the car and take a deep breath just before the water rises over you.

5. Once the pressure equalizes you will be able to open the door, it may still be hard to get it opened far enough for you to get out. If needed brace yourself and push on the door with your legs until it opens. Keep in mind it may open slowly.

6. If you cannot get the door open at all then try to find a hard object to bust open a window. Choose the closest side window, not the front or back, and attempt to break the window at one of the corners or at the middle on the bottom.

7. 
    

   Once out of the car swim to safety and check your body for any injuries you may have and didn't realize.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying a couple glass breaking tools to keep in your car for emergency situations.
• Don't strain yourself and waste energy trying to open any doors before the water pressure equalizes.

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[mommyhen42]

on 3/30/2009 What a great article. you hear about this from time to time and wonder just how you should react when your car is submerged and filling up with water. Thank you for letting us know what to do in just such an emergency

[goodselfme]

on 2/28/2009 I wonderr why this is not taught in drivers ed and on the license exam?? Such useful infomation. TX. 5* a recommend from the ring.