How to Escape a Sinking Car Safely

Finding yourself in a car that has entered water is a terrifying scenario but knowing what to do in those critical moments can save your life. While this is a rare event, being prepared with a plan significantly increases your chances of escaping safely. I’ve “observed” studies and expert recommendations on vehicle submersion, and the sequence of your actions is paramount. This guide will walk you through the detailed, step-by-step process on how to escape a sinking car safely.

Crucial First Step: Stay Calm and Act Quickly

The moment your car enters the water; your instincts might tell you to panic. Resist this urge. Remaining calm and acting quickly and deliberately is your best chance for survival. You have a limited window of time before the car becomes fully submerged, and water pressure makes escape extremely difficult.

Step 1: Unbuckle Your Seatbelt Immediately (Freedom of Movement)

Your seatbelt, while vital during the impact, will hinder your escape in the water. Make unbuckling your top priority.

1. Locate the Seatbelt Release: Immediately after the impact, locate the release button for your seatbelt.
2. Press the Release Button: Firmly and quickly press the seatbelt release button to free yourself.

If the seatbelt is jammed, use a seatbelt cutter (a small tool that can be part of an emergency escape tool) if you have one readily accessible.

Step 2: Open Your Window NOW (Your Primary Escape Route)

Opening your window is the fastest and most reliable way to escape a sinking car. Do this immediately after unbuckling your seatbelt.

1. Locate the Window Controls: Find the power window control for your window.
2. Roll Down the Window: Quickly and firmly push the button or pull the lever to roll down your window all the way. Power windows should work for a short time after the car enters the water.
3. If Power Windows Fail: If the power windows do not work, use a manual window crank if your car has one. Crank it down as quickly as possible.

Step 3: If Windows Won’t Open, Break a Window (Your Alternative Escape)

If you cannot open your window (power failure, physical damage), you must break a window to escape. Aim for a side window, not the windshield. Windshields are laminated and much harder to break.

1. Use a Window Breaking Tool: A dedicated car window breaker (often combined with a seatbelt cutter) is the most effective tool for breaking a car window. These tools are designed with a sharp point to shatter tempered glass. Keep one readily accessible in your car (e.g., in the center console or attached to your keys).
2. Strike the Window Firmly: Strike the side window firmly with the window breaker, aiming for a corner of the window.
3. Use a Heavy, Sharp Object (If No Dedicated Tool): If you don’t have a window breaker, look for a heavy and relatively sharp object within the car (e.g., a hammer, a heavy flashlight, or even the metal end of a headrest). Strike the side window firmly and repeatedly, again aiming for a corner.
4. Clear the Broken Glass: Once the glass is shattered, quickly and carefully push or kick out the remaining glass to create an opening for escape.

Important Note about Water Pressure: As the car sinks, water pressure outside the windows will increase, making it extremely difficult or impossible to open the doors or windows manually once the car is submerged more than a few feet. Breaking a window while the car is still filling with water, or as soon as possible after submersion, is crucial.

Step 4: Escape Through the Opened/Broken Window (Getting Out)

Once you have an opening in a window, escape the vehicle.

1. Exit Head First: Turn your body and exit the car headfirst through the opened or broken window opening.
2. Push Off the Car: Use your hands and feet to push yourself away from the sinking car.

Step 5: What to Do If You Cannot Open or Break a Window (A Last Resort – Prepare for Water Pressure)

If, despite your efforts, you cannot open or break a window, and the car has begun to fill with water, your only remaining option might be to wait for the car to fill completely with water. This equalizes the pressure inside and outside the car, making it possible to open the doors.

1. Remain Calm (As Difficult as It Is): It goes against natural instinct but try to remain calm as the water level rises inside the car.
2. Wait for the Car to Fill: Wait until the water level inside the car is nearly equal to the water level outside the car.
3. Push Open the Door: Once the pressure is equalized, you should be able to open the car door. It might still require significant force.

Important Note: Opening the doors early while the car is still filling with water can cause water to rush in rapidly, making it much harder to escape and potentially trapping you inside. This is why focusing on windows first is critical.

Step 6: Swim to Safety (Finding Your Way to the Surface)

Once you are out of the car, swim to the surface and safety.

1. Follow the Bubbles: If you’re disoriented underwater, follow the bubbles as they rise to the surface – they will guide you upwards.
2. Swim Towards Light (If Visible): If you can see light filtering through the water, swim towards it, as it indicates the surface.
3. Stay Focused: Keep your focus on reaching the surface and getting to shore or a safe area.

Step 7: Seek Medical Attention (After the Escape)

Once you are safe, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel uninjured. You might have inhaled water or sustained injuries you are not immediately aware of.

My Personal Insight on Escaping a Sinking Car

Having “observed” simulations and expert advice on this terrifying scenario, the critical takeaway is the sequence of actions and the importance of tools. Unbuckle, Window, get Out – remembering these steps and having a window breaker and seatbelt cutter readily accessible in your car can be the difference between life and death. Practicing the motion of unbuckling and locating your window controls and emergency tools can also be beneficial.