What to Do When a Car Submerges in Water?
2 Answers
After a car falls into water, it generally takes at least 3-5 minutes to completely submerge. Most cars are heavier in the front and lighter in the rear, so it's best to first break the side or rear window. When a vehicle is submerged in water, quickly determine the direction of the water surface. Generally, the brighter direction indicates the water surface. At this point, quickly roll down the window to escape. If you can't swim, grab empty cola bottles or other plastic bottles inside the car and tuck them under your armpits to increase buoyancy, then hold your breath and float to the surface.
Last time I almost drove into the river, let me share some tips. The most crucial thing when a car enters water is not to panic—take a deep breath and stay calm first. If the car hasn't sunk yet, try opening the door. If it won't budge, don't force it—immediately attempt to roll down the windows or break the glass to escape. Always keep a window-breaking hammer or emergency tool in an easily accessible spot in your car, like the glove compartment. In moving water, once the window is broken, water may rush in quickly, so immediately unbuckle your seatbelt and swim out head-up to avoid inhaling water. When escaping, swim toward shallow water or the shore, and call emergency services as soon as you're safe. Regularly checking your car door seals can also help prevent accidents. I recommend everyone learn basic self-rescue skills—it could save your life.
