Are you prepared to escape a sinking car?
Here are some guidelines for safely getting out of a vehicle that has been submerged in water. (Tips from Foster Wallace)
Press the play button above to watch the video
Step 1: Stay Calm
If your car is submerged in water, panicking will only make your situation worse. Instead, having a clear head will be fundamental to your survival. You will need to do your best to stay calm, think clearly, and act quickly.
Step 2: Roll Down All the Windows
As soon as your car hits the water, roll down the windows. This will be your exit from the vehicle once it is completely submerged. You will want to get the windows down before the waterline rises to the height of the windows. OR SMASH THE WINDOW WITH THIS *Show window smasher tool*
Step 3: Take Off Your Seatbelt
The last thing you want when inside a sinking car is to be restrained while trying to free yourself from the vehicle. Take off your seatbelt quickly so you can move freely inside the car. If your buckle is stuck, try to cut your seatbelt to free yourself.
Step 4: Assist Other Passengers
Once you can move freely inside the vehicle, check on those around you, especially if there are children in the car.
Step 5: Climb Through the Window and Swim to Safety
Once you have made it this far, climbing out of the window will be easiest when and if the waterline is still below the car window.
More Tips:
Do not open the doors: It may be your first survival instinct when your car hits the water to try to open the car door to get out of the vehicle. However, this will only cause the car to fill with water more quickly and sink more rapidly.
Do not wait for the car to fill with water: When the car starts sinking under the water, the water pressure outside the car will make opening the car door virtually impossible, no matter how strong you are.
You can find the emergency seat belt cutter and window hammer tool on Amazon, Home Depot, and other stores.