It’s a situation no one ever wants to be in - You lose control of your car and it crashes into a body of water.
Photo via TOC
What most people don’t know is how fast a vehicle can sink into water, so it’s vital to not waste any time getting out of there.
You only have 30 seconds, or a minute at most, to escape a sinking car. Here’s how you do it.
Seatbelts Off
Photo via Facebook
The first thing you need to do is unfasten your seatbelt. If the buckle is stuck, use a seatbelt cutter or any sharp tool that can cut through the material. It’s simple, but crucial.
Roll down the window
Photo via WikiHow
When a car is sinking, it’s not ideal to escape through the door.
Not only will the water outside put a huge amount of pressure on the door, making it very difficult to open it from the inside, but also, more water will enter your car, quickening the sinking process.
Instead, escape through the window. Quickly open it before you hit the water or immediately afterward.
If you can’t get the window down, you can break it using a window hammer or any heavy object.
Do keep in mind to opt for a side window, not the windshield. This is because windshields are several layers thicker and are harder to break.
Climb out of your vehicle
Photo via Bay News 9
It’s important to remember that you are only safe when you’re out of the water, and this next step is just as time sensitive as the first two.
If there are children in the car, guide them out the window, eldest first. This increases the chances of getting them out safely and efficiently.
Swim towards dry land
Once you’ve successfully escaped the sinking car, you can swim to safety and proceed to call for help.
Here are a few tips:
1) Remove any clothing item that may weigh you down, like heavy boots or a jacket
2) If you’re swimming in deep water, swim in the direction of the current to avoid losing energy
Also, keep in mind to be extra careful when driving in flood-prone areas, especially during these trying times. If there is a flash flood warning, avoid driving if possible.
Let’s hope none of us ever have to face a situation like this, but at the end of the day, it’s always best to be educated and be mentally prepared for the worst case scenario.
You can also check out Astro Radio Traffic’s video on this topic to see how it’s done!
Stay safe and drive safe, everyone!
by Amy Shariffudin
