What Are the Methods to Escape After a Car Falls into Water?
2 Answers
After a car falls into water, you can refer to the following methods for escape: 1. Keep your face as close to the car roof as possible. After the vehicle falls into water, it is very dangerous. First, stay calm, do not panic, quickly identify your position, and formulate an escape plan. Keep your face as close to the car roof as possible to obtain more air. 2. Escape through the nearest side door: After the vehicle falls into water, the body will not sink immediately, and the vehicle will not lose power right away. Using the nearest side door is the fastest and most effective method for escape. 3. Break the window to escape: If the vehicle has already lost power and you cannot open the doors or windows, as the vehicle continues to sink, there will be a significant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the car. At this point, it becomes even harder to open the doors, so you should choose to break the window for escape. Do not unfasten your seatbelt before breaking the window to prevent the incoming water from knocking you down.
Having driven for over thirty years and witnessed numerous accident stories, I can tell you that panicking when your car falls into water is the last thing you should do. The first step is to unbuckle your seatbelt because once submerged, the doors might not open. You'll need to wait until the water level inside rises, reducing the pressure difference, before attempting to open the door. If the door won't budge, don't waste time—find a tool to break the window immediately. I recommend using a life hammer to strike the four corners of the window, as it's easier to break that way. Keep it in the door pocket for quick access. When exiting through the window, hold your breath and swim toward the surface—keeping your breathing steady is crucial. Once out of the car, call for help and don't forget to use your phone to dial emergency services. Regular practice drills are essential, and keeping a basic first aid kit and window breaker in your car adds an extra layer of safety. Mental preparedness comes with training, and since safety is no small matter, always check your equipment.