In the event of a car submersion, it is important to stay calm and remember key steps to ensure your safety. Experts advise being prepared for impact by bracing yourself on the wheel and releasing your seatbelt as soon as the car hits the water. Opening the front window to escape is crucial, as there is a period of time before the car fills with water. If someone is in the backseat, removing the headrest may allow them to swim out the front window. In situations where there is no time to open the window, having a tool like an emergency hammer to break the window is essential. Staying focused, avoiding panic, and taking immediate action are key to surviving a water submersion incident.
To prevent dangerous submersions, it is important to exercise caution when driving through water. It is advised to maintain control of the steering wheel with both hands, drive slowly and steadily without braking or speeding up, and avoid oversteering. After driving through water, it is recommended to test your brakes at a low speed to ensure they are functioning properly. While the National Weather Service’s “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign encourages drivers to avoid going through standing water, there may be situations where water rushes towards your vehicle and there is no escape. In such cases, experts recommend following safety tips such as keeping away from water that can flow more than halfway up your tires, trying to get to the roof of the vehicle, and grabbing onto stationary material if you slip in the water.
Water submersion incidents are more common than people think, with flooding being a primary cause. Every year, around 400 people die in submerged vehicles in North America, making up to 10% of all drownings. Instances of submersion can occur when a vehicle loses control during a storm near a body of water, leading to accidental entry into the water. While these incidents are terrifying and dangerous, maintaining a calm demeanor can greatly increase the chances of survival. First responders advise remembering the acronym POGO – Pop the seatbelt, Open the window, and Get Out. It generally takes 30 to 60 seconds before a vehicle becomes completely submerged, emphasizing the importance of quick action.
In the event of a car submersion, the first step is to brace for impact and release the seatbelt as quickly as possible. Opening the front window is crucial for escape, and if someone is trapped in the backseat, removing the headrest may help them exit through the front window. Keeping an emergency hammer in the car is recommended for breaking windows if necessary. If unable to exit through the window, attempting to push the door open with your feet using maximum force is another option. Staying focused, avoiding panic, and acting swiftly are key to surviving a water submersion incident. First responders also advise adhering to the POGO acronym to facilitate a fast escape.
In addition to survival tips for water submersion incidents, experts emphasize the importance of prevention measures. Caution should be exercised when driving through water, including maintaining control of the steering wheel with both hands, driving at a slow and steady speed, and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration. Testing your brakes after driving through water at a low speed is also recommended to ensure they are functioning properly. While it is generally advised to avoid driving through standing water, there may be instances where it is unavoidable. In such cases, following safety tips such as avoiding water levels more than halfway up your tires, attempting to reach the roof of the vehicle, and grabbing onto stationary material if you slip in the water can help increase your chances of survival.
