The seconds after a vehicle slams into a body of water are crucial to survival.
There is no time to call 911. Before power windows fail, before water quickly fills the vehicle and tips it downward, you must act immediately to save yourself and passengers.
About 10 percent of all drownings occur in vehicles, and up to 400 North Americans are expected to drown in vehicles each year
“You basically have one minute to get yourself and any occupants out of that car,”
Power windows in some vehicles can fail in 30 seconds or less after a vehicle hits the water.
If a power window fails, tools can be used to break out a passenger or back window. demonstrated a spring-activated tool that can break tempered glass in cars. The small tool, made in Indiana, ejects a spike at 12 pounds of pressure when it is pressed against a window.
“If you think ahead, if this has gone through your mind and you thought, ‘I can do this, I’ve heard about this,’ you’ll be able to survive.”
What To Do If You're Trapped In A Sinking Car
Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and think clearly, as this will increase your chances of making the right decisions.
Unbuckle Your Seatbelt: If the car is still afloat, quickly unbuckle your seatbelt and roll down a window to escape.
Escape the Vehicle: If the car is quickly sinking, try to escape through a window, if possible. If the doors won't open, try to break a window using an object or your elbow.
Climb to the Surface: Swim to the surface and try to stay afloat while you wait for help.
Call for Help: If you have a phone, call 911 or the emergency services number in your country as soon as you are safely out of the car.
According to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it doesn’t take a lot of water to potentially create a dangerous situation for you and your vehicle.
6 inches: Can reach the bottom of most passenger cars, potentially causing stalling/overall lack of control.
12 inches: Can float many vehicles
24 inches: If it is rushing water, it can float and carry away most vehicles (not just cars, but also SUVs and pickup trucks)
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