There is always a probability of accidents when driving on the road. Sometimes it may not be your fault but the result of a certain scenario like a natural calamity that leaves people in a state of panic. An unexpected submersion of water is one such situation.
Although submerging your car would be a rare occurrence, learning how to protect yourself is never a bad idea.
Escaping Submerged Car
Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to escape a sinking car:
Brace for Impact
When your vehicle goes underwater, the impact can trigger the airbags. If you are already buckled up, hold the steering wheel to prevent any injuries. Passengers without seatbelts might be susceptible to injuries, especially if not sitting in proper positions.
Plan your escape
Accidents have a tendency to put drivers and passengers in a state of shock. Focus is the key to saving your life as you will need to make quick decisions. A submerged car will normally take 30 to 60 seconds to sink completely. Instead of making a call or thinking about others, your first goal should be to free yourself so you are in a position to help others.
In case of extreme weather conditions like floods, it is usually advised to stay in the car. If the flood has the capacity to carry you deeper with the flow, then you may plan your escape.
Contacting emergency services is not recommended as they will take time to arrive and you are on the clock.
Free Yourself
Once the car hits the water, exit the vehicle as fast as possible. Start by unbuckling your seatbelts. Some experts recommend leaving the seatbelts on as it will keep you strapped in a place until you find an exit route.
Although the doors of the vehicle will be jammed due to water pressure. It is advised not to force them open as it can quickly flood the rest of the car.
If the car windows are rolled up and the water rises above the window level, you won’t be able to open them. If the windows are controlled electrically, they might still function for a short duration underwater. Nonetheless, if you are unable to open the windows, you have to break them open.
Breaking the windows
This will require some kind of tool to break open the side windows. If there are no such tools, use the seat’s headrest. Remove the headrest and hit the window with its metal tong. If you are unable to detach the headrest, you have to rely on your physical strength.
Start by kicking the window by aiming at the hinges instead of the centre. Don’t try the technique on the windshield as they are more resistant and thicker than side windows.
If the circumstances are not in your favour and you are unable to break free through the windows. Your only option is to escape through the door. This will require holding your breath till your interior is filled with water. Once the interior pressure has stabilized, it will be easier to open the doors.
Help the Passengers
Once you escape the submerged car, it won’t be easy to return back. If there are passengers in the car, now is the time to help them exit the vehicle. If there are children inside, unbuckle their seat and push them out of the car so you can carry them and swim to safety.
Escape the Vehicle
Escape the car by swimming to the surface. If the vehicle was upside down, it may cause disorientation in finding the right way. Aim to swim towards the light while taking care of surroundings to not injure yourself.
Use the vehicle exterior to your advantage. Use your legs to push against the car and propel towards the surface.
Contact Emergency Services
After you have safely come out of a sinking car, contact the regional emergency services to report the accident. If the phone is not accessible, ask the passing motorists for help. During the adrenaline rush, you won’t be able to feel pain from undetected injuries. It is vital to get medical attention for yourself and the passengers involved.
Preparation is the key to survival. You can never predict when such skills will come in use. Sometimes survival skills come in handy when saving someone else. Familiarize yourself by taking first aid and CPR training.
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