How to : EXIT....A Car Sinking In Water (save your life)

This picture is a car similar to the one that took the lives of three Dickenson College softball players when they accidentally drove into a North Dakota pond about 10 feet deep. They couldn't get out. All three drowned presumably because none of them knew how to exit a sinking car in shallow water OR had the necessary tool to shatter the window and cut a seat belt if required. This one tool might have saved their lives. More on that tool in a moment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    
   A Small Lake Can Be Dangerous

   Some 10,000 people are involved in serious car/water situations and most survive the initial impact with little or no injuries. However, what they do in the first few minutes could determine life or death. Studies show that once a car enters the water, it takes two to ten minutes to sink. If you remain calm as possible and know what to do, you will survive.
   I don't know if the Dickenson ladies were wearing seat belts or not, so I won't speculate.

2. 
    
   You're In Here...Now You Need To GET OUT!

   There are several options - but be quick about it. FIRST OPTION: Since your primary goal is to exit through a window, you first have to shatter the glass. If you have power windows that won't work underwater. Rolling the window down if you can, and kicking with your feet, elbow or hand is a waste of time. Forget it.

3. 
    
   This May Be Where You Find Yourself

   SECOND OPTION: Open a door. But you'll first have to wait until the car is filled with water so the pressure on both sides is equal. This is when panic sets in. Hopefully, the door is unlocked. You'll know it's time to open doors when the car is almost full of water. Take a deep breath, push open the door, and exit. Regardless of whether you leave via the window or door, unlatch your seat belt, exit, swim to surface. Never ever go back for your purse, wallet or anything else. Now, read the TIPS section below.

Tips & Warnings

• Every car or truck should have a tool specifically designed to shatter windows. Most are inexpensive, and have a razor piece on one end that will cut through all seat belts if it can't be unlatched. Buy them online.