After falling into water, it is essential to stay calm, immediately unlock the central locking system, and open the door when the car is nearly filled with water, break the window, or escape through the sunroof. Once the vehicle is submerged, occupants must not hesitate or be tempted to retrieve belongings but should quickly exit the sinking vehicle to seize the "golden time" for self-rescue. With societal development and urbanization, cars are increasingly used for commuting, making it necessary to master some self-rescue techniques in case of a vehicle submerging. Self-rescue knowledge when submerged: Stay calm. When the vehicle first falls into water, the front end will tilt downward while the rear end rises, initially floating on the surface before gradually sinking. At this moment, occupants should not panic. They should immediately unfasten their seat belts, quickly assess their position, and determine the correct escape plan. During the initial stage of submersion, most of the vehicle remains above water, making doors and windows relatively easy to open. This is the best time to abandon the vehicle and escape by opening the door immediately. Unlock the central locking system immediately. Most vehicles are equipped with central door locks controlled by the driver, and some high-end models even feature automatic locking while driving. The central lock primarily prevents passengers from accidentally opening doors during transit, which could be dangerous. When the vehicle falls into water, the electronic central lock should be activated immediately to prevent failure. If the central lock malfunctions, the manual method can be used to unlock it by pulling the latch. Do not attempt to open the door as soon as the car is submerged. This is nearly impossible. Instead, take deep breaths and wait for the water to slowly fill the car. Only when the car is almost completely filled with water and the internal and external pressures are balanced can the door be opened quickly for escape. Break the window to exit the vehicle. If the doors and windows cannot be opened, breaking the window is an alternative. Tools such as a pointed hammer, high heels, or similar objects should be used to strike the side windows forcefully. Note two points: the windshield cannot be broken, so focus on the four corners of the side windows; when the side window shatters, broken glass and water will rush into the car, so avoid breaking the glass under high water pressure and be cautious to prevent cuts. Escaping through the sunroof is the smoothest method. If the car has a sunroof, it can also be smashed or pushed open for escape, especially when the vehicle is not fully submerged. The sunroof provides the best escape route. Ascend to the surface as quickly as possible. For those who cannot swim, they should grab any buoyant objects inside the car before exiting. While ascending, exhale air slowly. The air pressure inside the car and lungs matches the water pressure. As you rise, the air in your lungs will expand, and failing to exhale excess air can damage the lungs.
