Can the Seat Belt Be Opened When a Car Falls into Water?

[Leroy]

Automobiles have a certain degree of watertight performance. Once a car is submerged in water, the driver's first action should be to immediately unbuckle the seat belt and then quickly unlock the electronic central locking system to prevent the door circuits from malfunctioning. Below is a relevant introduction to car seat belts: Function: Car seat belts are safety devices designed to restrain occupants during a collision and prevent secondary impacts with the steering wheel, dashboard, etc., or to avoid injuries or fatalities caused by being ejected from the vehicle during a collision. Car seat belts, also known as safety harnesses, are a type of occupant restraint system. Working Principle: The retractor's function is to store the webbing and lock it when pulled out, making it the most complex mechanical component in the seat belt system. Inside the retractor is a ratchet mechanism. Under normal circumstances, occupants can pull the webbing freely and evenly while seated. However, when the webbing is continuously pulled out and suddenly stops or when the vehicle encounters an emergency, the ratchet mechanism engages to automatically lock the webbing, preventing it from being pulled out further.

[XavierLee]

I experienced a similar situation once when my car accidentally slid into a lake. The seatbelt could indeed be unfastened, but it felt much stiffer than usual because water pressure makes the buckle tighter. Normally, seatbelts are mechanical locks that automatically tighten during a collision, but when submerged, the resistance increases, requiring more force to press the button or pull the buckle. The key is to stay calm—first unfasten the seatbelt, then try to open the door or push the window. If the door won’t open, immediately use a safety hammer to break the glass and escape. Never wait for the car to fill with water. It’s advisable to keep a multi-functional safety hammer in the car, including a seatbelt cutter, just in case. This ensures quick reactions in emergencies and improves survival rates. Remember, the sooner you act, the better—water rises fast, and safely unfastening the seatbelt is your first line of defense.

[Walter]

I think car seat belts can usually still be opened after falling into water, as their mechanical design is relatively simple. The button press operation might be a bit harder underwater but won't get stuck. I remember simulating a drowning experiment at a car club gathering once - water pressure increased resistance, but after a few attempts, it could be undone. Prevention is key: check if the seat belt buckle is loose before starting the car, and clean any debris to avoid blockages. In emergencies, unbuckle first before considering opening the door or breaking the window. The escape sequence is crucial - don't waste time fiddling with other things. It's always good to keep a portable safety hammer or rescue scissors in the car. After water immersion, the electrical system may fail, making manual tools more important. In short, staying calm and training quick reaction habits can turn danger into safety.

[Isla]

I believe that seat belts can generally be unlocked after a vehicle falls into water, as the mechanism relies on a manual button release. Water pressure may slow down the operation slightly, but don't panic—focus on unlocking it first, then immediately try to push the door open or break the window to escape. Time is limited, so it's advisable to keep emergency tools like a hammer in the car.