What to Do When a Car Drives into Water

[DiArianna]

What to do when a car falls into water: The survival method When water seeps in and reaches your feet, waist, and eyes, don't panic. Even if you push the car door with all your might, it won't budge. After exhausting all efforts and strength, the door still won't open. Soon, the water rises above your head, and the driver could suffocate at any moment. If you can open the window immediately when the car falls into the water, that's best. If you can't open the window, the door will be difficult to open—it might only open after the cabin is fully submerged. The reason is that the air inside the car creates a pressure difference, making the force of the water against the door reach 150 kg, so you naturally can't open it. When the car is fully submerged, the pressure difference balances out, and you can open the door as if you were in the air. So why do people drown? It's because before the car fills with water, you exhaust your strength and oxygen trying to open the door. By the time the water rises above your head, you can't hold on for more than a few seconds, leading to drowning. It takes time for the car to fill with water. What to do when a car falls into water: The timing method Before the water rises above the door, try to open it. Although there's pressure, it hasn't reached its maximum. If you're strong enough, you can push the door open. There's a critical point when the water reaches halfway up the door—this is your second-to-last chance. Otherwise, you won't have the strength to open the door again after the water rises above the door but before the cabin fills. If you can hold out until the car is fully submerged and conserve your strength and oxygen, you'll have one last chance. What to do when a car falls into water: The brute-force method Use a safety hammer, fire extinguisher, the metal part of the headrest, or high heels to smash the window. Since car windows have uneven thickness, the edges or corners are easier to break—start by smashing the window edge. After breaking the glass, be careful of the shards being washed into the car by the water to avoid cuts. What to do when a car falls into water: The trunk escape method If the car falls vertically into the water and the power is cut off, making it impossible to break the windows, don't give up. You can open the trunk from inside to escape. There's a black frame under the trunk—open it, reach inside, and press the protruding button to push it, allowing you to open the trunk from the inside and escape. 1. Self-rescue before the car falls into water. If you have time to react before the car falls into the water, do everything you can to open the door/window as quickly as possible to avoid being trapped inside.

[MacElisa]

I just experienced a similar accident where my car drove into a pond and nearly caused a disaster. At that moment, I immediately told myself not to panic, took deep breaths to calm down, and unfastened the seatbelt as the first step. Before the water submerged the car door, I tried to push it open with force, but the resistance was too great, and the door wouldn't budge. So, I used the window-breaking hammer in the car to strike the corner of the window forcefully, and the glass shattered instantly, allowing me to climb out of the car and swim to shore. After escaping, my phone was wet but still functional, so I quickly called for help. Reflecting afterward, I realized the importance of avoiding slippery roads while driving, not accelerating through puddles, and keeping essential survival tools in the car at all times. This experience taught me the value of staying calm in emergencies, and I believe I can react even faster if faced with a similar situation again.

[DiCameron]

When your car drives into water, don't hesitate—I'll tell you how to handle it step by step. First, stay calm and keep your focus. Immediately unbuckle your seatbelt and try to open the door as quickly as possible. If the door won't open, break the window—use your keys or a specialized tool to smash the edge of the window. After escaping, swim directly to shore and don't waste time retrieving items from the car. If the water is deep and you're worried about the cold or electrical hazards, call for help as soon as you reach land. I think it's a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, including a window breaker and a waterproof flashlight. This way, you'll feel more prepared in an emergency and act more efficiently. Remember, safety comes first—don't delay.

[LaCourtney]

I've also feared the scenario of a car falling into water. Imagine this: after unbuckling the seatbelt, immediately try to open the door. If that doesn't work, use something to break the window, like kicking hard with your foot or smashing it with a key. Once out of the car, swim out with all your strength and find someone to help. Stay focused throughout the process and don't get distracted by trying to retrieve belongings. Quick, simple actions to save your life are crucial, and maintaining psychological composure is very important.

[MadelineLynn]

In such situations, especially when with children, I need to be even more vigilant. First, unfasten my own seatbelt, then help the child release the car seat buckle. If the door can be opened, everyone should escape together; if not, quickly use a tool to break the window and let the child climb out first. After reaching the shore, hold the child to keep warm and immediately call for help or dial emergency services. When driving, I always choose safe routes away from water to minimize risks, as ensuring the safety of my family is more important than anything else.