How to Survive in a Submerged Car

With more flooding occurring worldwide and problems with America's infrastructure, including bridges, levees and dams, failing, it's become important to know what to do if your car ends up in a body of water. It can happen quickly. If you don't know what to do, you're more likely to panic. Follow these steps to get out quickly and learn how to survive in a submerged car.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that thousands of car accidents happen every year near water, and people end up in rivers, oceans and other bodies of water. Many of them drown because they have little time to get out, and often don't know what to do.

• 2

  Have a plan before you drive, especially if you live near water. Practice your plan and involve your family members in the drill just like you would prepare in a fire drill. Keep in mind that the 2 most important things to do are to unbuckle and get out though a window or door. Keep the plan simple.

• 3

  Remain as calm as possible if your car does end up submerged in water. Understand that at first a car will float until the engine begins to pull it down. Note that you only have one chance to survive in a submerged car and get out.

• 4

  Unbuckle your seat belt first, and try next to open the nearest window. Take some comfort in the fact that even electric windows keep working for a bit once a car is submerged. Use the front as an exit if the windshield shatters upon crashing.

• 5

  Open a door only after the car fills with water if you're unable to open a window. You won't be able to open a door when the car is first in the water due to the outside pressure of the water on the doors. After the water level rises inside of the car and the pressure equalizes, you should be able to open the door. Get out of a window preferably though if you can.

• 6

  Save children first by immediately getting them out of their car seats or seat belts. Push them out once you're able to open a window or a door. Follow them to the surface after you get yourself out.

• 7

  Carry a window breaking tool with you if you worry because you drive near water a lot. Buy specially designed tools or use something you have around your house that's strong enough to break glass. Keep it with your ice scrapper in your glove box so that you'll know where it is.