Picture this: you’re cruising along the highway when, out of nowhere, your vehicle plunges into a body of water. This scenario, while terrifying, is one where preparedness can be the difference between life and death. This blog post aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to escape a sinking car and maximize your chances of survival.

Immediate Actions: The Key to Survival

Surviving a sinking car hinges on swift and decisive action. Here are two vital steps to remember:

1. Release your seatbelt and lower the window. As soon as your car hits the water, unfasten your seatbelt and roll down the window. Time is of the essence—you have approximately one minute to perform these actions before the car submerges completely.

2. Exit the vehicle through the window. Don’t attempt to open the door—the water pressure against it will render it nearly impossible to move.

When the Window Fails to Lower

If the window refuses to roll down, you’ll need to break it. Here’s how to do so safely:

• Employ a car window breaker. This tool is the safest and most effective method for breaking a car window. It’s affordable and easily obtainable online or at auto parts stores. It usually features a small, pointed hammer designed to shatter the window’s corner, its weakest point.

• Utilize a heavy object with a pointed tip. If you don’t have a car window breaker, a hammer, wrench, or screwdriver can serve as substitutes. Aim for the window’s corners and strike with force.

• Use your elbow or a stiletto heel in a pinch. These methods should be your last resort as they can result in injury.

Escaping with Children

If children are present in the car, follow this recommended course of action:

1. First, unbuckle your seatbelt and roll down the window. Ensure your own safety before assisting others.

2. Help the children escape one at a time. Begin with the oldest child—they may be able to assist with the younger ones. Release their seatbelt and guide them out the window before you.

3. Once all the children are safe, exit the car.

If You Can’t Escape Through the Window

In the worst-case scenario where you can’t escape through the window, wait for the car to fill with water, then open the door. While this may seem counterintuitive, here’s the science behind it:

• Pressure equalization. As the car fills with water, the pressure inside the car will eventually match the external pressure, enabling you to open the door.

• Here’s the procedure. Maintain a firm grip on the door handle as the car fills with water. Once the pressure equalizes, take a deep breath, open the door, and swim out. Be prepared to exert force against the door—it may be challenging to open.

Navigating to the Surface

Once you’ve exited the car, you may become disoriented underwater. Here’s how to find your way to the surface:

• Follow the air bubbles. Air bubbles naturally rise to the surface. Swim in the same direction as the bubbles—they’ll guide you upward.

Remember

The information in this blog post could save your life in a dire situation. While we hope you’ll never need to use it, it’s always better to be prepared. Here are some additional tips:

• Practice makes perfect. When calm, rehearse unfastening your seatbelt, rolling down the window, or breaking the window with a car window breaker. This practice will help you react more quickly in an emergency.

• Stay calm. Panicking will only exacerbate the situation. Concentrate on taking deep breaths and following the steps outlined above.

• Keep a car window breaker in your vehicle. This small, inexpensive tool can make a significant difference in an emergency.

By adhering to these tips, you can enhance your chances of surviving a sinking car. Remember, the most crucial factor is to act quickly and decisively. Don’t waste time trying to open the door or gather your belongings. Your primary goal is to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.