Each year thousands of people in the United States die when their car plunges into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. It only has to happen to me one time, and that would be more then I would want to ever have to face. I live in a city with two rivers, I go back and forth over them all the time, sometimes everyday. I don’t ever want to find out what would happen if my car landed in the river but I sure would like to remember what I should do if it actually did happen to me.
Do you think you would know what to do if your car suddenly landed in water?
I decided I needed to really pay attention and learn what to do if my car ended up floating for a moment, before it sinks. The first thing I have learned is that the speed at which a car will sink depends on
- The distance of the fall into the water, and
- The type of car, keep in mind that newer cars are better about soundproofing which may also be better at keeping water out.
Once the car hits the water the experts say any passengers inside of the car will have only a few minutes to find an escape root. The most important thing is to remain calm and don‘t panic. Stay in control and understand the right time to attempt a safe escape. Clear thinking and remembering just a few of the right things to do could be the difference in surviving.
So the car hits the water and what do we do?
- Remember “Panic, means perish,” stay calm and take a few breaths before doing anything.
- Making educated decision at the right time could mean the difference between life and death. Look at the situation and understand when to take which of the following steps:
If the Car is Still Floating and most cars will enter the water and should float for a minute or two:
- Unhook the seat-belt
- Lower the window, remember that most electric windows should work while the car is still floating.
- Don’t use your energy trying to open the doors, because water pressure will keep them from budging.
If the car windows will NOT open, this is where a person really needs to stay calm, and keep their head on straight because in order to get out, passengers need to wait for the inside of the car to fill up with water. Usually when the water reaches just about neck level it will be possible to open the door.
When the water pressure is equalized on the inside and outside of the car the doors should open fairly easy and passengers can get out of the car and swim to the surface.
Blogs Related to Safe Car Travel:
- Traveling By Car: A Life and Death Decision
- Five Tips For Driving on Icy, Slippery or Snow Covered Roads
- Start The Engine! Auto Travel and The Winter Car Trip.
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