It’s one of the scariest situations anyone can imagine—your car plunges into water and begins to sink. While it feels like a nightmare, survival depends on knowing what to do in the first few seconds. Experts emphasize that you may only have 30 to 60 seconds to act, so clear, quick decisions are critical.
1. Stay calm and unbuckle immediately
The first instinct might be to panic or call for help, but every second counts. Your top priority is to unbuckle your seatbelt. Free yourself first, then quickly help children or passengers.
2. Don’t waste time on the doors
As water rises, the pressure outside the car makes it almost impossible to open the doors. Trying will only waste energy and time. Forget the doors—your escape route is the window.
3. Roll down the window or break it
If the power windows are still working, roll them down right away. If not, use a car escape tool, the metal rods from a headrest, or any sharp, heavy object to smash the glass. Aim for the corners, as that’s where windows are weakest.
4. Get children out first
If kids are with you, push them through the window before you attempt to leave. Younger children should go first, followed by older ones.
5. Escape and swim upward at an angle
Once outside, push yourself away from the car. Swim toward the surface at an angle, following the direction of air bubbles if visibility is poor. The car may pull slightly as it sinks, so distance yourself quickly.
The golden sequence: SEATBELT → WINDOW → OUT.
That simple order has saved countless lives. Preparation also helps: keeping a window breaker or escape tool within reach can mean the difference between life and death.
