How to Self-Rescue When a Car is Submerged in Water?
2 Answers
Self-rescue methods for a submerged car: 1. Unfasten the seatbelt and try to move your hands and feet vigorously; 2. If the car door cannot be opened, check the central locking system of the door, lift the central lock, activate the window lifting system, and lower the window; 3. If the circuit is short-circuited and the window cannot be opened, use sharp tools such as a hammer to smash the window, aiming at the four corners of the glass for easier breaking; 4. If the window cannot be broken, do not push the car door, as this can easily exhaust your strength. Instead, wait quietly for the car to fill with water; 5. When the water level inside the car is close to your head, take a deep breath and push the car door open. The water pressure inside and outside the car will be similar, making it easier to open the door.
I've gained some experience from decades of driving when it comes to self-rescue from a submerged car. The first step is to immediately unfasten the seatbelt without hesitation. If the car has just started to submerge, the power might still be on, so try to open the window or door to escape quickly. When the water pressure is high, it's difficult to open the door, so it's best to use a window-breaking tool, like a window-breaking hammer, to shatter the corner glass with the least effort. If all else fails, wait until the car is nearly filled with water before trying to open the door, as the pressure difference between inside and outside will be smaller then. Stay calm throughout the process to avoid wasting energy or oxygen; lifting your head towards the roof can help you catch an extra breath of air. After escaping, surface as soon as possible to call for help. Additionally, always keep an emergency kit in the car, equipped with a window breaker and a life jacket, as these can be lifesavers in critical moments. When driving over bridges or near rivers, slow down and assess the road conditions carefully to prevent accidents.
