Wait for the Water Level to Rise
If you’re inside a submerged car, it’s important to remain calm and wait for the water level to rise. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s the safest course of action because it will allow you to escape through the windows or sunroof once the water level is high enough. If you try to escape before the water level is high enough, you risk being trapped inside the car and drowning.
Here’s what to do while you’re waiting for the water level to rise:
- Stay calm and stay inside the car. Don’t try to open the doors or windows, as this will let water in.
- Unbuckle your seatbelt and remove any heavy or bulky items from your pockets, such as your phone or keys.
- Move to the highest point in the car, such as the seat or the roof. This will help you avoid being submerged if the water level rises quickly.
- If there are other people in the car, try to calm them down and keep them safe.
Once the water level has risen high enough, you can escape through the windows or sunroof. Here’s how:
- Open the window or sunroof as far as you can.
- Swim out of the window or sunroof and head for the surface.
- Once you’re out of the car, swim as far away as possible from the sinking vehicle.
Use a Seatbelt Cutter or Window Breaker
In the event of a submerged car, it is crucial to remain calm and take swift action. If possible, grab a seatbelt cutter or window breaker from the glove compartment or emergency kit. These tools can be used to quickly and effectively escape the vehicle.
Using a Seatbelt Cutter
1. Locate the seatbelt cutter, which is typically a small, blade-shaped tool with a handle.
2. Hold the cutter in your dominant hand and position the blade against the seatbelt.
3. Apply firm, even pressure to the blade and pull it across the seatbelt until it snaps.
4. Repeat the process for all seatbelts that are holding you in place.
Using a Window Breaker
1. Locate the window breaker, which is often a cone-shaped tool with a pointed tip.
2. Position the pointed tip of the breaker against the corner of a window that is slightly submerged.
3. Strike the breaker firmly with your palm or a heavy object until the glass shatters.
4. Create a large enough opening in the window to escape through.
| Tool | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Seatbelt Cutter | – Easy to use – Can be stored in glove compartment |
– May not be effective on all seatbelts – Requires slow, steady motion |
| Window Breaker | – Can break windows quickly – Can be stored on keychain or belt loop |
– Requires more force to use – May shatter glass into sharp shards |
Stay Afloat and Signal for Help
When you find yourself trapped in a submerged car, staying calm and taking immediate action is crucial for survival. Follow these steps to escape and signal for help effectively:
1. Keep Your Head Above Water
Stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, open a window to escape. If you’re unable to open a window, brace yourself against the steering wheel or dashboard.
2. Unbuckle Your Seatbelt
Quickly unbuckle your seatbelt to free yourself from the seat. This will allow you to move around more easily.
3. Look for an Exit
Check if the windows are broken or if the doors can be opened. Attempt to exit through an available opening.
4. Swim to Safety
If you’re able to get out of the car, swim towards the surface and try to reach land or a floating object.
5. Call for Help
Once you’re out of the water, call for help immediately. Use a whistle or any other device to attract attention.
6. Stay Warm
If you’re stranded in the water, try to stay as warm as possible. Hug your body or huddle with others to conserve heat.
7. Signal for Help
a) Use Bright Clothing:
Wear bright or reflective clothing if possible, as this will make it easier for rescuers to spot you.
b) Wave Your Arms:
Wave your arms vigorously and continuously to signal for help. Make large, exaggerated movements to get attention.
c) Use a Whistle or Horn:
If you have a whistle or horn, use it to create a loud, intermittent noise that can be heard from a distance.
d) Flash a Light:
If you have a flashlight or any other light source, turn it on and flash it repeatedly in the direction you want rescuers to come from.
Remove Seatbelt and Open Windows
If possible, unbuckle your seatbelt and open any windows that are not submerged. This will allow you to escape more easily and provide ventilation.
Break Windows if Necessary
If the windows cannot be opened, you may need to break them. Use a sharp object, such as a key or a metal tool, to break the side window. Avoid breaking the windshield, as it is more difficult to break and can shatter into dangerous shards.
Escape Through a Broken Window
Once you have broken a window, escape through the opening. Be careful not to cut yourself on the broken glass. If you cannot escape through a broken window, try to move to a higher part of the car, such as the back seat or the trunk.
Swim to the Surface
Once you are outside of the car, swim to the surface. Do not panic and try to remain calm. If you are unable to swim, try to float or use a flotation device.
Get Help
Once you have reached the surface, call for help. Use a whistle or wave your arms to attract attention. If you have a cell phone, call 911 or the local emergency number.
Report the Incident
What to Do
If you are involved in a submerged car accident, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and try to escape the vehicle as quickly as possible. Follow the steps outlined in this article to increase your chances of survival.
Who to Call
Once you have escaped the vehicle, call 911 or the local emergency number. Report the accident and your location. The operator will dispatch emergency responders to your location.
What to Say
When you call emergency services, be sure to provide the following information:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Location of the accident | I am at the intersection of Main Street and Elm Street. |
| Number of people involved | There are two people in the car. |
| Nature of the injuries | One person is unconscious and the other has a broken leg. |
| Any other relevant information | The car is submerged in water. |
How to Get Out of a Submerged Car
If your car becomes submerged in water, it is important to remain calm and act quickly to escape. The following steps will help you get out of a submerged car:
1. Stay calm and assess the situation. Take a deep breath and try to orient yourself. Check for any injuries and make sure you are able to move before attempting to escape.
2. Unbuckle your seatbelt and open the windows. If the windows are not electric, you may need to use a tool to break them. Once the windows are open, create an air pocket by rolling down the window on the opposite side of the car from the water.
3. Escape through the window. Climb out of the window and swim to the surface. If you are unable to swim, try to use a flotation device or piece of debris to help you float.
4. Get help. Once you are out of the car, seek medical attention if necessary. You may also want to contact the authorities to report the incident.
People Also Ask
Can you survive in a submerged car?
It is possible to survive in a submerged car for a short period of time, but it is important to act quickly to escape. The average person can hold their breath for about two minutes, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, fitness, and water temperature.
What should you do if your car starts to sink?
If your car starts to sink, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and act quickly. Unbuckle your seatbelt and open the windows. If the windows are not electric, you may need to use a tool to break them. Once the windows are open, create an air pocket by rolling down the window on the opposite side of the car from the water.
What happens if you get trapped in a car that is submerged in water?
If you get trapped in a car that is submerged in water, it is important to stay calm and act quickly. Try to use a tool to break the windows and create an air pocket. If you are unable to escape through the windows, you may need to use a flotation device or piece of debris to help you float. Once you are out of the car, seek medical attention if necessary.
