How to Survive a Submerged Car

I vaguely remember an episode of Oprah on the subject of how to get out of a submerged car.  That’s why when I came across the topic online recently I decided that it was a good idea to write about it as well.  Not only as a refresher course for me, but as a survival guide for you. 

It’s unlikely that it would happen, but if it does, here’s what to do.  First and foremost, you should stay calm and preserve your energy.  When you panic you don’t think clearly and you waste your air supply.  Therefore, staying calm is key.      

It has been reported that most vehicles will only float on the surface of the water from 30 to 60 seconds.  This is why it is critical that the occupants make every attempt to get out of the vehicle immediately.  However, know that wearing your seatbelt during the initial fall is the best chance you have at surviving the initial impact.  But once you hit the water you should unbuckle the seat belt then, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, you should –

1.  Immediately roll down your window before the water level reaches window height.  If the water level is above the windows, slowly roll down the window and let the water flood the car.  Then swim out of the car. 

2.  If the car is equipped with power windows and they cannot be lowered, find something with which to break a window.  If you cannot break the windows, look for other means of escape such as the sunroof or rear window broken in the accident.  (Keep in mind, in most cars with automatic windows, the motor that powers the window is located halfway up the car door.  Once water hits it, you won’t be able to roll down your windows and will have to find another means of escape, according to Road & Travel Magazine.)

3.  If there is no other means to escape, slowly try to open the door.  The door will be very heavy because of the difference in pressure.  It may not open immediately.  Make sure the door is unlocked. 

4.  If the door will not open, remain calm.  Wait until the interior of the car is almost filled with water.  Wait for it to get up to your neck.  Take a deep breath, go under the water, and try to open the door again.  The pressure will be equal and the door should now open.  Then of course, swim to shore.  At this point though, one common mistake is losing your sense of direction in the water.  Follow the direction of the bubbles or where your body naturally wants to float.

Keep in mind that the two most important things to do are to unbuckle your seat belt and get out through a window or door.  Keep the plan simple!  Although drowning in a submerged vehicle might be your worst nightmare, the odds are it won’t happen to you.  In fact, less than one-half of one percent of all auto crashes involve submersion.  But on the rare chance that it might happen, you’ll know what to do.