Skills to survive when car falls into water

To have a chance to survive in the unfortunate situation of a car crashing into water, we need skills and calmness.

Accidents happen very quickly. As soon as you realize that your vehicle is being swept off the road and into the water, immediately practice the safety position to prepare for a possible collision when the vehicle comes into contact with water. Cross your arms in front of your chest. The right palm grips the left shoulder and vice versa. This will help prevent your arms from being injured during the free fall and contact with the water, making it difficult to escape.

Step 1: Open the car windows as soon as you can

Be quick and calm in a race against time, you only have a few seconds from the moment your car skids off the road until it hits the water. In those precious few seconds, prioritize opening a window or door as soon as you can before the car plunges into the water because the electrical system is not yet disabled.

Step 2: Break the glass door

Once your car hits the water, you only have a few seconds to sink. Once your car starts to sink, you won't be able to open any of the car's doors until the pressure inside and outside the car is equalized (i.e. the inside of the car is completely flooded). So try to break the car windows as quickly as possible, the faster the water floods into the car the sooner you can open the doors. Break the windows with any sharp and hard object you have, such as a shoe heel or screwdriver. Note: Break the side windows, not the front windows, as this will cause the car to sink faster.

You need to be calm and have basic skills.

Step 3: Remove any cumbersome clothing

If your car is sinking, take off your shoes. If you are wearing jeans, take them off quickly as they may get in the way as you try to escape.

Step 4: Exit the vehicle

Get out of the car and get to the surface. The front of the car where the engine is will probably sink faster because it is heavier, so the back of the car will stay above water longer. You can break the window from this side.

Step 5: Escape when the car is completely submerged

If you can't break the window to get out, don't panic. Stay calm. Once the water has filled the car, the pressure inside and outside will be equalized. You can then get out by opening the nearest door latch.

Step 6: Leave the vehicle and swim toward the surface as quickly as possible.

If you are not sure which direction to swim, find a light and swim towards it. You can also swim towards bubbles. Bubbles rise to the top and can also help you stay afloat. However, be careful of your surroundings as you may encounter hard objects such as rocks, bridge pillars or boats or canoes passing by at high speed. As soon as you surface, signal for help as soon as possible.

According to VTV.online