How To Get Out Of A Car In Water: My Survival Story
One sunny afternoon, I was driving near a lake when my car skidded off the road and splashed into the water. My heart raced, but I remembered some simple steps that saved my life. In this article, I’ll share how to get out of a car in water with easy, practical tips anyone can follow. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to be prepared, I’ll walk you through clear steps, tools, and safety advice to escape a sinking car. Let’s dive in and learn how to stay calm and get out safely!
What Does It Mean to Get Out of a Car in Water?
Getting out of a car in water means escaping a vehicle that’s sinking after it drives into a river, lake, or flood. It’s scary, but you can survive if you act fast. Cars float for about 30-60 seconds before sinking, so you have a short window to escape. Knowing what to do keeps you calm and safe. I learned this the hard way, and I want to make it easy for you!
Why It’s Important to Know This Skill
Every year, about 400 people in the USA die in submerged cars, making up 10% of drowning deaths. Floods, accidents, or slippery roads can send your car into water. Learning how to get out of a car in water can save your life or your passengers’. It’s like knowing how to swim—it’s a skill you hope you never need, but it’s a lifesaver when you do.
Step-by-Step Guide to Escape a Sinking Car
Here’s a simple plan to get out of a car in water. I call it the S-W-O plan: Seatbelt, Window, Out. Follow these steps to stay safe.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Brace for Impact
If you’re driving and see water ahead, hold the steering wheel at “10 and 2” to brace for impact. Airbags might pop out, so this position keeps you safe. Take a deep breath and say, “I can do this.” Panicking wastes energy and air, so stay focused. When my car hit the water, staying calm helped me think clearly.
Step 2: Unbuckle Your Seatbelt
As soon as the car hits water, unbuckle your seatbelt. You can’t escape if you’re strapped in. If it’s stuck, tug hard or cut it with a pocketknife. I fumbled with my seatbelt at first, but a quick tug freed me. Act fast—this takes just seconds.
Step 3: Open or Break a Window
Roll down your window right away. Electric windows work for a few minutes underwater, so don’t wait. If the window won’t open, break it with a tool like a glass-breaking hammer or a headrest’s metal prongs. Aim for the corner of a side window, not the windshield—it’s too tough. My window rolled down just in time, letting me escape.
Step 4: Get Out Fast
Climb through the open window and swim to the surface. Push off the car to move upward. If you have kids, help them out first, starting with the oldest. Don’t open the doors—water will flood in, making the car sink faster. I swam out and reached the surface in seconds. It was scary but doable!
Tools You Need to Escape
Having the right tools makes escaping easier. Keep these in your car for emergencies.
| Tool | Use | Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass-breaking hammer | Breaks side windows | $5-$15 | Amazon, Walmart |
| Seatbelt cutter | Cuts stuck seatbelts | $5-$10 | Auto stores, online |
| Headrest (car’s own) | Breaks windows if no tool | Free | Already in car |
Caption: Simple tools to keep in your car for water escape.
Where to Keep Tools
Store a glass-breaking hammer in your glove box or center console. A seatbelt cutter can clip to your keychain. Check that your car’s headrests are removable for emergency use. I keep a hammer in my car now—it’s a small price for peace of mind.
Benefits of Knowing How to Escape
Learning how to get out of a car in water has big perks:
- Saves Lives: Quick action can save you and your passengers.
- Builds Confidence: Knowing what to do reduces panic.
- Low Cost: Tools are cheap, and practice is free.
The downside? It takes a few minutes to learn and practice. But that’s a small price for safety!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these errors—they could cost you precious time:
- Panicking: It wastes air and clouds your thinking.
- Trying the Door: Doors are hard to open underwater and flood the car.
- Calling 911 First: Save calls for after you’re out. Every second counts.
- Ignoring Kids: Help children first, starting with the oldest.
When I was stuck, I almost reached for my phone. Big mistake! Focus on escaping first.
My Personal Tips for Success
From my experience, here are some easy tips:
- Practice the S-W-O Plan: Say “Seatbelt, Window, Out” to memorize it.
- Keep Tools Handy: A hammer in the glove box is a lifesaver.
- Talk to Kids: Teach them to unbuckle and follow you to the window.
- Stay Fit: Swimming takes strength, so stay active.
I practiced unbuckling my seatbelt blindfolded after my accident. It’s now a piece of cake!
Alternative Approaches
If windows won’t open, some experts suggest waiting until the car fills with water to equalize pressure, then opening a door. I don’t recommend this—it’s risky and slow. Stick with the window method for the best chance. Another idea is to carry a spring-loaded punch, but these don’t work on newer cars with laminated glass. A hammer is more reliable.
Visual Ideas for Better Understanding
To make this easier, imagine these visuals (not included):
- Diagram of S-W-O Steps: A cartoon showing unbuckling, opening a window, and swimming out.
- Tool Guide: A picture of a glass-breaking hammer and seatbelt cutter with labels.
- Car in Water Timeline: A chart showing the 30-60 second window to escape.
These visuals would make the steps super clear, especially for kids!
Comparing Escape Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Escape | Fast, reliable, simple | Needs tool if window jams | Most cars |
| Door Escape | Works if windows fail | Slow, risky, car sinks faster | Last resort |
| Wait and Equalize | May open doors | Takes too long, risky | Not recommended |
Caption: Comparing ways to escape a sinking car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Does a Car Sink in Water?
Cars float for 30-60 seconds before sinking. You have about a minute to unbuckle, open a window, and get out. Act fast to stay safe.
Can Electric Windows Work Underwater?
Yes, electric windows often work for a few minutes underwater. Roll them down right away. If they fail, use a hammer to break the glass.
What If My Seatbelt Is Stuck?
Use a seatbelt cutter or tug hard to free yourself. Keep a cutter in your car for emergencies. It’s quick and easy to use.
Should I Help Kids First?
Yes, help kids out first, starting with the oldest. They can wait while you help younger ones. Guide them through the window.
Can I Open the Door Instead?
No, doors are hard to open underwater and flood the car. Stick to windows for a faster, safer escape. It’s the best way out.
What Tools Should I Keep in My Car?
Keep a glass-breaking hammer and seatbelt cutter. They’re cheap and easy to store. A removable headrest can also break windows.
Is It Safe to Practice This?
Yes, practice unbuckling and removing headrests at home. Don’t practice in water, but rehearse the steps to build confidence. It’s fun and helpful!
Conclusion
Getting out of a car in water is scary, but it’s doable with the S-W-O plan: unbuckle your seatbelt, open a window, and get out fast. Keep tools like a hammer handy, stay calm, and practice the steps. You can do this! Try practicing at home or share this guide with friends. Stay safe and let me know your tips in the comments—it’s always fun to learn from each other!
