Buzz
Experiencing a car accident is scary, but finding yourself trapped in a sinking car is absolutely horrifying. Luckily, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting out safely. Remain calm, act swiftly, and follow these tips to escape from a sinking car, potentially saving your life and the lives of your passengers.
Steps
Getting Out Quickly
Prepare for impact if you're the driver. When you realize that your car is heading into water, brace yourself immediately. If you're behind the wheel, grip it firmly at the '10 and 2' positions. This can help you avoid injuries, especially from the airbag deployment. However, if you're a passenger, avoid bracing yourself, as it could increase the risk of injury during the impact.
- As a passenger, refrain from lowering your head or raising your arms, as this could elevate the risk of injury during the collision.
Keep calm and act swiftly. Panicking depletes energy, consumes oxygen, and leads to mental shutdown. When you realize your car is heading into water, take deep breaths and focus on immediate action. Tell yourself, “I must stay focused and act fast,” and concentrate on the steps needed for escape.
Pro Tip: Delay calling emergency services until after you've exited the vehicle. Calling for help can waste valuable time, decreasing your chances of survival.
Release your seatbelt. The moment your car hits the water, unfasten your seatbelt. You cannot escape while strapped in. This is the first step in the S.W.O. (Seatbelts off, Window open or broken, Out (Children First)) protocol developed by car safety expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht. If passengers need assistance, prioritize your own release to facilitate their escape.
Open a window immediately. After freeing yourself from the seatbelt, promptly open a window before the water level rises. Attempting to open a window becomes nearly impossible once water presses against it. If your vehicle has power windows, they should operate for a brief period after submersion.
Break a window if necessary. If you cannot open a window fully, break it. Lack a specialized tool? Remove a headrest and use its metal prongs to strike a window's lower corner. Avoid breaking the windshield, as it's tougher to shatter than side windows. Aim for the driver's side or rear passenger windows. If no tools are available, use your feet to strike near the front or along the hinges.
Prioritize the evacuation of children. If there are kids in the vehicle, release them first and guide them out through the open window. It's easier to assist them initially and then follow them out than to return for their rescue later.
Egress through the open or broken window. Once the window is accessible and children are out, swiftly climb out. With the car possibly filling and sinking rapidly, prepare to swim up and out through the window. If swimming out, refrain from kicking until you're clear to avoid injuring others, and propel upward with your arms.
Attempt door opening if submerged. If unable to open a window pre-submersion, try a door. After taking deep breaths while air remains, unlock the nearest door. While popular belief suggests waiting for interior and exterior pressure to equalize, Mythbusters and Top Gear debunked this, stating it takes longer than you'll likely survive. If opening a door, hold your breath, push hard, and swim up and out.
Swiftly ascend if submerged. Push off from the car and swim upward. If disoriented, swim toward light or bubbles. Beware of obstacles like currents, rocks, or bridge supports. In icy water, aim for the impact hole. Avoid injury on obstacles and grasp onto objects if injured or fatigued.
Contact emergency services post-escape. Upon surfacing, dial 911 or local emergency services. If without a phone, signal a passing motorist for assistance and warmth. Seek medical evaluation promptly for potential injuries and beware of hypothermia, dependent on water and air temperatures.
Developing an Escape Strategy
Familiarize your family with the S.W.O. protocol. Enhance your chances of survival by educating your family on the steps to take in case of a sinking car. Practice the mantra: Seatbelts off, Window open or broken, Out (children first).
Fun Fact: There's a variation called S.C.W.O. (Seatbelts off, help Children, Window open or broken, Out). However, experts now suggest waiting to unbuckle children until after opening or breaking the window.
Equip your vehicle with a glass-breaking tool. Ensure easier window breakage during a water emergency by storing a specialized tool in a readily accessible spot. Consider a center punch, a glass-breaking hammer, or a glass breaking keychain like the ResQMe tool.
Master the art of swiftly unbuckling children. Speed is crucial when removing kids from a sinking car, especially if they're in car seats. Practice fast unbuckling techniques and try doing it blindfolded once proficient. A seatbelt cutting tool may also come in handy.
Helpful Advice
Important Reminders
- Don't rely on external assistance in a sinking car scenario. It's unlikely that help will arrive in time to aid you.
- Travel light when escaping. Only prioritize essential items—your life and the lives of others are the sole priorities in such a critical situation.
