What is the incorrect method for escaping a submerged vehicle?
2 Answers
Material possessions are external; saving lives is paramount, so one must decisively abandon the vehicle to escape. Once submerged, water will inevitably enter the vehicle. Currently, aside from submarines, no car can avoid being submerged when falling into water. Panicking and not knowing what to do is dangerous. When a vehicle falls into water, it is crucial to remain as calm as possible and then find a way to escape. After a vehicle falls into water, it is common for people to panic and struggle. It is important to stay composed and work together to break open the car door for escape. During escape, grabbing the door frame or window frame is an incorrect method. The correct approach is to break the window or open the door to get out.
With years of experience in the automotive safety field, I can confirm that the most incorrect method to escape a submerged vehicle is immediately attempting to open the door. Many assume they can simply exit through the door, but external water pressure often makes it impossible to open, while also accelerating flooding. The correct approach is to remain absolutely calm, first unfastening the seatbelt—as being trapped by it could be fatal—then waiting for the water level to rise to the mid-lower part of the window, when pressure equalizes, to either open the door or break the glass. A common mistake is trying to kick the windshield, which is more durable than side windows and harder to shatter, wasting precious time and energy; instead, using a professional window-breaking tool on side windows is far more effective. Never waste critical seconds panicking, making calls, or performing unnecessary actions—every moment counts. Always keep an automatic window-breaking hammer in an easily accessible spot in your car to significantly boost survival odds. Remember, scientific methods and preparation are key; prioritize escaping through rear windows, where water rises slower and shallower.
