Being trapped in a sinking car is an absolute nightmare. But if you know what to do, you can save your life. Every second counts as soon as water enters the car - keeping calm and acting quickly is vital for survival.
In this guide, you will learn how to escape safely and quickly from a sinking car in an emergency.
Why quick action is crucial
A car does not sink immediately when it enters the water. Normally you have a short window of time - about 30 seconds to a few minutes - before the car sinks completely. During this time, the water pressure rises sharply on the outside, making it almost impossible to open the doors.
This is precisely why preparation and the right approach are so important.
The most important steps to get out of a sinking car
1. keep calm and get an overview
Panic is your biggest enemy. Take a deep breath and concentrate on what is important now. Don't call for help until you are outside - your escape has top priority.
2. open the seat belt immediately
First of all, unfasten your seatbelt. Many people forget to do this in the panic - and a fastened seatbelt makes any movement impossible. Also make sure that passengers, especially children, unfasten their seat belts.
3. forget the doors - take the windows
Doors can hardly be opened because of the water pressure. Your way out is through the windows.
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If your car has hand cranks: roll down the window immediately while the car is still floating. Once the water has risen, it becomes almost impossible.
- If you have electric windows, press the button immediately before the water paralyzes the electronics.
4. if necessary: break the window
If the window does not open, you must break it. Aim for the corners or edges - this is where the glass is weakest.
- It is best to use a special glass breakage tool. Always have it to hand - e.g. on your bunch of keys or in the glove compartment.
- If you don't have one, pull out the headrest and hit the window with the metal bars.
5. help your fellow riders
As soon as your exit is free, help others to get out. Start with children or people who need help. Every second counts - so act quickly.
6. go out feet first and swim to safety
Slide out feet first. This will allow you to push off from the car and swim towards the surface. If you lose your bearings: follow the air bubbles upwards.
What to do once you're outside
As soon as you are out of the car:
- Immediately swim to the surface and away from the car so that the current does not pull you down with it.
- Call the emergency services as soon as you are safe and report the accident.
- Have yourself and the others checked - especially after cold, shock or injury.
So you are better prepared
Preparation is the key to surviving such emergencies. Here's what you can do:
Keep an emergency tool to hand
Buy a combination tool that breaks windows and cuts belts. The best models are small, lightweight and fit on your key ring or in the car.
Get to know your car
Familiarize yourself with the windows and locks. Knowing your car will save you crucial seconds in an emergency.
Practice the emergency with your passengers
Teach your family, especially the children, how to get out of a sinking car. Practice it together in peace so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Secure loose objects
Heavy or sharp objects in the car should always be secured - they can be dangerous in the event of a collision.
The golden rule: act immediately
The most important thing: don't wait! Every second of hesitation increases the risk of the car sinking completely - and then it becomes almost impossible to escape.
Conclusion
Experiencing a sinking car is one of the worst situations of all. But with the right knowledge and the right tools, your chances of survival increase enormously. Remember these steps, keep a glass breakage tool in your car and drive particularly carefully near water.
Remember: preparation saves lives. Share these instructions with friends and family so that they too can react correctly in an emergency.
