A vehicle plunging into water presents a terrifying scenario, yet survival hinges on immediate, decisive action. Most successful escapes from a sinking car occur within the first minute of submersion, before water pressure and electrical failure make leaving the vehicle nearly impossible. Understanding the sequence of events and having a plan is paramount, as panic quickly consumes the few seconds available for escape.
The Critical First Seconds: Seatbelt and Window Action
The instant the vehicle enters the water, the primary escape sequence, often summarized as SWO (Seatbelt, Window, Out), must begin. The first step is to unbuckle your seatbelt, or cut it if the mechanism is jammed, ensuring you are free to move. This action must precede all others, as you cannot exit the vehicle if you remain restrained.
The next action is to open a side window while the vehicle is still floating and the water level is low. Modern vehicles usually retain electrical power briefly after hitting the water, providing a short window to operate the power windows. If the car is sinking nose-first, the rear side windows may remain above the water longer, making them the preferred exit point.
It is crucial to roll the window down entirely before the water reaches the bottom edge of the glass. Once water presses against the window, hydraulic pressure will prevent the glass from moving, and the electrical circuit may fail. If passengers are present, adults should unbuckle themselves first and then assist children, prioritizing the oldest child so they can help the younger ones.
Dealing with Electrical Failure and Water Pressure
If the initial moments are missed and the electrical system fails, the power windows will cease to function, and the cabin will begin to fill with water. At this stage, attempting to open a door is nearly impossible because of the immense pressure differential between the air-filled cabin and the surrounding water. Even at a shallow depth, the external water pressure can exert hundreds of pounds of force against the door, far exceeding human strength.
The “wait” strategy becomes the last resort when windows cannot be opened or broken immediately. This involves waiting for the water to completely fill the car, which can take 60 to 120 seconds. As the water level inside the vehicle rises to match the level outside, the pressure equalizes, and the door can finally be opened.
Just before the water level covers the head, take a deep, controlled breath to prepare for the underwater exit. Once the pressure is equalized, the door can be pushed open, allowing the occupant to escape and swim toward the surface. This method is challenging due to disorientation and the need to hold one’s breath while searching for the exit.
Techniques for Breaking Immersed Vehicle Glass
If both power windows and the pressure equalization method are not viable, breaking the glass offers a final means of escape. The type of glass is a significant factor in the success of this method. Side and rear windows are typically made of tempered glass, which is designed to shatter into small pieces when struck forcefully.
The front windshield, however, is almost always laminated glass, consisting of a plastic interlayer sandwiched between two sheets of glass. This construction makes the windshield nearly unbreakable, even when struck by specialized tools. Therefore, all efforts should be concentrated on breaking a side window.
A specialized, spring-loaded window-breaking tool is the most effective device for breaking tempered glass, particularly underwater. These tools use a small internal spike to concentrate force onto a single point, requiring minimal physical strength. Hammer-style tools are less effective in a submerged environment because water resistance makes it difficult to generate enough momentum. The best location to strike the tempered glass is near the corner or edge, as this is the weakest point of the panel.