Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Panic can be your worst enemy in this situation. Take a deep breath and try to assess your surroundings. Is the vehicle sinking quickly? Are there any other people in the vehicle? Are there any escape routes available?
Unbuckle Your Seatbelt and Open Your Window
Once you’ve calmed down and assessed the situation, the next step is to unbuckle your seatbelt. This may seem obvious, but in a panic, people often forget the most basic things. Once you’re unbuckled, try to open a window. This is crucial because it will provide you with an escape route if the vehicle starts to fill with water.
Opening a window in a sinking vehicle can be difficult, especially if the water pressure is already building up. Here are some tips⁚
- Use your strength⁚ If the window is partially open, try to push it open further with your hands or feet.
- Break the window⁚ If the window is completely closed, you can try to break it using a tool like an emergency hammer (more on that in a later section). If you don’t have a hammer, you can use a sturdy object like a headrest or a heavy object from your car.
- Consider the location⁚ If you have a choice, try to open a window that is furthest from the water source. This will give you more time to escape.
Remember, time is of the essence in this situation. If you can’t open a window, don’t give up. Move on to the next step.
Escape Through the Window or Sunroof
Once you have a window open, it’s time to make your escape. This can be challenging, especially if the vehicle is rapidly filling with water. Here’s what you need to do⁚
- Assess the situation⁚ Look around to see if there is any debris or other obstructions blocking your escape route. Make sure you have a clear path to the surface.
- Get a good grip⁚ If you are escaping through a window, find a sturdy ledge or handle to grip onto. This will help you maintain your balance as you exit the vehicle.
- Swim to the surface⁚ Once you’re out of the vehicle, push yourself towards the surface. If you are in shallow water, you may be able to stand up. If you are in deeper water, you will need to swim.
- Take a deep breath⁚ As you rise to the surface, take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
- Call for help⁚ Once you are safely above the water, call for help if necessary.
If the sunroof is open, you can also escape through it. The sunroof will be easier to escape from as it’s typically larger than a window. However, remember that the sunroof is at the top of the car, which means you’ll need to be strong enough to push yourself up and out. If you’re not sure you can do it, try to exit through a window.
Remember, even if you’ve managed to escape the vehicle, you’re not out of danger yet. You may need to tread water until help arrives, so stay calm and conserve your energy.
If You Can’t Escape, Use the Emergency Hammer
If you’re unable to escape through a window or sunroof, you may need to use an emergency hammer to break a window. Most modern vehicles have an emergency hammer stored in the vehicle, often near the driver’s seat or under the front passenger seat. Here’s how to use it⁚
- Locate the emergency hammer⁚ Look for a small, red or orange hammer with a sharp point. It should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
- Aim for the corner of the window⁚ The corner of the window is the weakest point. Avoid hitting the center of the window, as it’s more likely to shatter and potentially injure you.
- Strike with force⁚ Aim for a strong, decisive blow. You may need to strike multiple times to break the glass.
- Be aware of the shards⁚ Once you’ve broken the window, be careful of the shards of glass. Try to push them out of the way or cover your face and hands with your arms.
- Escape through the window⁚ Once the window is broken, push yourself out of the vehicle, following the same steps as above.
If you don’t have an emergency hammer, you can use any heavy object to break a window. A strong flashlight, a heavy book, or even a seatbelt buckle can be used in a pinch. However, these objects may not be as effective as a designated emergency hammer.
Remember, breaking a window in a submerged vehicle can be dangerous. The pressure from the water can make the window very difficult to break. If you’re unable to break the window, try to find another escape route or wait for help to arrive. Stay calm and conserve your energy.
Signal for Help and Stay Calm
Once you’ve escaped the vehicle, it’s important to signal for help. If possible, try to reach a nearby shore or object that can help you stay afloat. If you’re in a body of water where there’s a lot of boat traffic, you can also try to signal for help using flares or a brightly colored cloth. Here are some additional tips for staying calm and signaling for help⁚
- Stay calm and conserve energy⁚ Panic can lead to exhaustion, which can make it difficult to stay afloat. Try to stay calm and conserve your energy by taking deep breaths and avoiding unnecessary movement.
- Stay afloat⁚ If you can’t reach a shore or object, try to stay afloat by treading water or using any available flotation devices.
- Signal for help⁚ If you have a cell phone, try to call for help. If you don’t have a cell phone, use any available means to signal for help. This could include waving your arms, shouting, or using a whistle.
- Avoid swimming⁚ If the water is cold or you’re not a strong swimmer, avoid swimming unless it’s absolutely necessary. The cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal.
- Stay in one place⁚ If you’re unable to reach shore or signal for help, try to stay in one place. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm and signal for help. Rescue crews will be searching for you, so don’t give up hope.