How To: Escape A Submerged Vehicle
Being stuck in a submerged vehicle is the stuff of nightmares, but there are steps you can take to help you escape.
As impossible as it may sound, try to stay calm. Panicking may prevent you from remembering how to escape.
Step 1: Brace for Impact
Once you realize you’re going into the water, tightly grip the steering wheel. If your vehicle has an airbag, it will likely deploy. It’s important to keep your hands at “9 and 3” as opposed to the old standard of “10 and 2.”
Step 2: Unfasten Your Seat Belt
Assuming you’re wearing a seat belt, unbuckle. If you have passengers in the vehicle, tell them to unbuckle and help them if necessary. If your seat belt won’t come unfastened, try putting your seat into a horizontal position or use a seatbelt cutter.
Step 3: Try to get your window open
At this point, your vehicle is probably mostly submerged in the water. If you have electronic windows, they may not work, but if they do, lower your window.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE VEHICLE DOORS, this will waste time and energy. Because of pressure pushing against the doors, they will not open.
If your windows won’t go down, use a key, screwdriver or window breaking tool to break open your window. Aim for the CENTER of the window.
Step 4: Escape Through The Window
As soon as you break the widow, water will begin gushing into the vehicle. Take large, deep gulps of air.
Some experts advise to wait until the vehicle fills with water to avoid fighting the current of water pouring into the car, while others advise to attempt to fight against the current of water. Plug your nose before plunging into the water.
It takes 60 to 120 seconds for a car to fill up with water usually.
DO NOT KICK YOUR FEET, you may kick the broken glass.
Step 5: Swim to the Surface
You may be disoriented and not know which direction to swim. If it’s dark, look for light on the surface of the water. Also, blow out a few small breaths and try to follow the bubbles, they will automatically float to the top of the water.
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