Car accidents involving water may seem rare, but they happen more often than people realize. In fact, many fatalities occur when vehicles are submerged in water after an accident. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming part of these tragic statistics. This article outlines key strategies and safety measures to help you stay safe in the event your car ends up in a body of water.
Understanding the Risks
Car accidents involving water typically occur near bridges, lakes, rivers, or during extreme weather conditions like flash floods. These accidents can quickly become fatal, as vehicles often sink rapidly, leaving occupants with limited time to escape. Drowning is the leading cause of death in these situations, with panic and lack of preparation contributing to the tragedy.
Key Steps to Avoid Drowning After a Car Accident
- Stay Calm and Focused The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panic wastes valuable time and makes it harder to think clearly. Focus on what you need to do next: exit the vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Unbuckle Your Seatbelt Immediately As soon as your vehicle hits the water, unbuckle your seatbelt. It may be tempting to call for help first, but seconds count. Removing your seatbelt immediately gives you the freedom to move and increases your chances of escaping before the car sinks.
- Lower the Window Quickly Modern cars are designed to stay afloat for a short period—typically around 30 seconds to a few minutes before water starts flooding the interior. Use this time to lower the window as fast as you can. Electric windows should still function for a brief period after impact. If the window doesn’t work, you may need to break it using a specialized window-breaking tool.
- Escape Through the Window If you’ve successfully lowered or broken the window, exit through it without delay. It’s crucial to leave the car before it becomes submerged. If you’re in a car with children or other passengers, assist them in getting out as well, but prioritize getting everyone out of the car as quickly as possible.
- Avoid Opening the Door A common mistake is trying to open the car door immediately after impact. However, this is incredibly difficult as water pressure builds up against the door, making it nearly impossible to open. Instead, focus on escaping through the windows.
- Know Your Emergency Tools Equip your vehicle with emergency tools such as a window breaker and seatbelt cutter. These tools are specifically designed for situations where you may be trapped in your vehicle. Keep them within easy reach, such as in the glove compartment or attached to your keychain.
- Escape Once Submerged If your car becomes fully submerged before you escape, the best approach is to wait until the car fills with water. Once the pressure inside the car equalizes with the pressure outside, you will be able to open the door or window more easily. Take a deep breath and make your exit when this happens.
Preventative Measures to Stay Safe
- Drive Carefully Near Water The best way to avoid becoming a car accident drowning statistic is to be cautious when driving near bodies of water. Follow speed limits, especially on wet or slippery roads, and avoid driving through flooded areas during extreme weather.
- Pay Attention to Flash Flood Warnings Flash floods can cause roads to quickly become impassable. Avoid driving in areas where flood warnings are active, and never attempt to drive through standing water, even if it appears shallow. It only takes a few inches of water to sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Learn How to Swim While this may seem unrelated to car safety, knowing how to swim can greatly increase your chances of survival in a water-related accident. Swimming lessons can help you stay calm and navigate through water more effectively if you’re ever forced to escape a sinking vehicle.
Conclusion
Car accidents involving water can be terrifying, but knowing what to do in these situations can save your life. By staying calm, acting quickly, and using the right tools, you can avoid becoming a car accident drowning statistic. Additionally, preventative measures such as cautious driving and emergency preparedness can reduce the risk of such accidents. Always be prepared for the unexpected, and prioritize your safety on the road.