How to Escape When a Vehicle is Trapped in Water
2 Answers
Immediately unbuckle the seatbelt and activate the electronic central locking system after the vehicle falls into water. Break the car window. Since the thickness of the window is uneven, the edges or corners are easier to break. Prioritize smashing the window edges. After escaping the vehicle, keep your face upward and swiftly swim to the surface.
The most crucial aspects when escaping a submerged vehicle are quick action and staying calm. When water first enters the car, the water pressure makes it nearly impossible to open the doors, so the priority should be lowering the windows or sunroof to escape. During a rescue drill I witnessed, if the windows won't roll down, immediately use a safety hammer to strike the four corners of the window. If you don't even have a safety hammer, you can pull out the headrest and use its metal rods to pry open the edge of the glass. Don't rush to unbuckle your seatbelt—it takes about one or two minutes for the car to be fully submerged. Don't waste energy during this time; wait until the car is almost filled with water, as the pressure will equalize inside and out, allowing the door to be pushed open. After escaping, swim to the surface as quickly as possible and move away from the vehicle to avoid being pulled into a vortex. It's important to keep a multifunctional safety hammer in your car at all times—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments.
