What to Do If Your Car Gets Submerged in Water: A Life-Saving Guide
You’re driving on a rainy day, the road is slick with water, and suddenly, your car skids off the road and into a rapidly rising stream. Experts say you have 60 seconds to rescue yourself from a sinking car. Once the vehicle becomes even partially submerged, the odds of survival are slim. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your 60 seconds wisely.
- Stay Calm and Act Quickly – Panicking won’t help you, but quick thinking will. Take a deep breath, focus, and prepare to take immediate action. Your first few seconds are critical.
- Unbuckle Your Seatbelt and Your Passengers’ – Your seatbelt is your lifeline in a collision, but it can trap you in a submerged car. As soon as you realize you’re in water, unbuckle your seatbelt. Reach over to help any passengers unbuckle their seatbelts, especially children.
- Unlock the Doors and Roll Down the Windows – Electric systems may fail quickly in water but should still operate within a minute. Unlock your doors and roll down your windows immediately. If the windows won’t budge, you’ll need to break them before the water gets up against the window at which time the laws of physics will prevent their breaking.
- Break a Window if Necessary – If your windows are stuck, use a window-breaking tool or any hard object. Aim for the corners of the window, as the center is the strongest part. Be aware that if your windows are laminated versus tempered [usually it’ll say on the window itself], breaking them will be significantly more difficult. Consider keeping a seatbelt cutter and window breaker combo in your glove box.
- Escape Through the Window – Once the window is open or broken, climb out. Instruct your passengers to follow. If you have children or those needing assistance, help them out first. Swimming out is easier than pushing against the door due to the pressure difference. If the vehicle begins to sink nose down [usually in deeper water] crawl out the back windows if possible. It’ll buy you more time and air.
- Swim to Safety – After exiting, swim to the surface and away from the vehicle. Water can be disorienting, so look for light and swim toward it. If the current is strong, swim diagonally to it to conserve energy and make progress.
- Get Medical Help – Once you’re safe, call for medical help immediately. Hypothermia, shock, and injuries from the accident can all pose serious risks. Even if you feel fine, a check-up is essential.
Pro Tips for Water Emergencies
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with your car’s layout. Knowing your escape routes can save precious seconds.
- Keep Tools Handy: Store a window-breaking tool and seatbelt cutter within easy reach. These tools can be lifesavers.
- Stay Weather-Aware: Avoid driving in severe weather and keep an eye on flood warnings.
- Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: Steer clear of low-lying roads and areas near rivers or lakes during heavy rains.
Being prepared can turn a terrifying situation into a manageable one. Knowing what to do if your car gets submerged in water not only increases your chances of survival but also equips you with the confidence to act swiftly and decisively. Stay calm, act quickly, and always keep safety tools within reach. Your preparation and knowledge are your best defenses against the unexpected.