Being trapped in a submerged car is a terrifying experience, but it’s crucial to remain calm and act quickly to escape. The first few seconds after the car hits the water are the most critical. If the windows are still intact, try to roll them down immediately. If the power is out, you’ll need to break the windows. Use a heavy object, such as a headrest or rock, and strike the corner of the window. Once you have a hole, use your hands or a sharp object to break the rest of the window.
Once the windows are broken, you need to escape the car. If you can’t open the doors, you’ll need to climb out the window. Be careful not to cut yourself on the broken glass. If the water is too deep, you may need to swim out of the car. In this case, try to stay calm and conserve your energy. Swim towards the surface and look for a way out. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a ladder or rope that you can use to climb out of the water.
Once you’re out of the car, swim to safety and seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to be checked for any hidden injuries. Hypothermia is also a risk, so it’s important to get out of the water and warm up as soon as possible. If you’re feeling cold, shivering, or confused, seek medical attention immediately.
Remain Calm and Assess the Situation
Finding yourself trapped in a submerged car can be a terrifying experience. However, it’s crucial to remain composed and avoid panicking. Follow these steps to increase your chances of survival:
1. Stay Calm
When your car plunges into water, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. However, panicking will only worsen the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, try to relax, and focus your thoughts. Remember, you have valuable time before the water completely fills the car.
Assess the situation quickly. Determine how deep the water is, the direction of the current, and if there are any obstacles or debris that could hinder your escape. Stay aware of the water level and listen for any sounds that may indicate the car is sinking rapidly.
Avoid making unnecessary movements and shouting for help. Conserve your energy for the critical moments when you need to take action. Stay alert and focused on your surroundings.
2. Unbuckle Your Seatbelt and Escape
Once you’re calm and have assessed the situation, it’s time to escape. If your seatbelt is stuck, use a sharp object, such as a key or a broken piece of glass, to cut it. Do not attempt to open the car doors against the pressure of the water. Instead, locate the window that is highest above the waterline and use an object to smash it. Stay low to avoid the incoming water and swim to the surface as quickly as possible.
3. Seek Help and Stay Warm
After escaping the submerged car, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel any injuries. Hypothermia can set in quickly in cold water, so wrap yourself in a blanket or warm clothing. Contact a tow truck to retrieve your car and inform the authorities about the accident.
Call for Help
Your top priority should be to get out of the car and to safety. If you can’t get out on your own, call for help. Use a cell phone, or if you don’t have one, use the car’s horn or whistle to attract attention. If you’re in a group, work together to get out of the car and to safety.
Once you’re out of the car, move to higher ground and away from the water. Do not try to swim out of the car, as the current may be too strong. If you’re in a group, stay together and help each other stay safe.
Once you’re out of the car and to safety, call 911 or your local emergency number. Report the accident and your location. If you’re injured, tell the operator the extent of your injuries.
Stay calm and follow the instructions of the emergency operator. They will guide you through the rest of the process.
8. Escape Through a Window
If the doors are blocked, you may be able to escape through a window. Windows are designed to break easily in emergencies. Use a hard object, such as a rock or a hammer, to break the window. Be careful not to cut yourself on the broken glass.
Once the window is broken, climb out through the window. Be careful not to fall out of the car.
If you can’t break a window, you can try to open the window slightly. This may create enough space for you to escape through the window.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Call for help | Someone can help you get out of the car | You may not have cell phone service |
| Use a cell phone | You can call for help even if you’re in the water | You may not have a cell phone |
| Use the car’s horn or whistle | You can attract attention even if you’re in the water | The horn or whistle may not be loud enough to be heard |
Evacuate Passengers First
If you have passengers in the car, it is important to get them out first. Open the windows and doors, and help them escape. If the windows and doors are stuck, you can use a tool to break them. Once all of the passengers are out of the car, you can focus on escaping yourself.
9. Swim to the Surface
Once you are out of the car, you need to swim to the surface. If you are not a strong swimmer, you can try to float or tread water until help arrives. If you are able to swim, try to swim towards the nearest shore or object that you can climb onto. Once you reach the surface, stay calm and call for help.
Here is a table of tips for swimming to the surface:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay calm | It is important to stay calm and not panic. |
| Float | If you are not a strong swimmer, try to float or tread water until help arrives. |
| Swim towards the surface | If you are able to swim, try to swim towards the nearest shore or object that you can climb onto. |
| Call for help | Once you reach the surface, stay calm and call for help. |
How To Get Out Of Submerged Car
If your car is submerged in water, it’s important to stay calm and take action quickly. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Stay calm and don’t panic.
- Unbuckle your seatbelt.
- Open the window or sunroof, if possible.
- If you can’t open the window or sunroof, break the window with a tool or object.
- Once the window is open, climb out of the car and swim to safety.
If you are unable to escape the car on your own, call for help. You can use your cell phone, if it’s still working, or honk the horn to attract attention.
People Also Ask About How To Get Out Of Submerged Car
How long do you have to escape a submerged car?
The amount of time you have to escape a submerged car depends on a number of factors, including the depth of the water, the temperature of the water, and your physical condition. However, it’s generally estimated that you have about 30 seconds to escape a submerged car before the water pressure becomes too great and the car fills with water.
What should you do if your car is submerged in water?
If your car is submerged in water, you should stay calm and take action quickly. Follow the steps outlined in the main article above to escape the car and swim to safety.
