Imagine you’re driving along a quiet road when suddenly, your car veers off course and plunges into deep water. Panic sets in, but the clock is ticking—you have less than a minute to react before your vehicle sinks. In such a life-threatening situation, knowing exactly what to do can save your life.
This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to escape from a sinking car, ensuring you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Step-by-Step Guide to Escaping a Sinking Car
1. Act Immediately – Every Second Counts
The moment your car hits the water, your survival clock starts ticking. You have about 60 seconds before the vehicle becomes fully submerged, so there’s no time to waste.
- Stay calm – panic will only slow you down.
- Avoid touching your phone – calling for help wastes precious seconds. Your priority is escaping, not waiting for rescue.
2. Unbuckle Your Seatbelt Right Away
The first step to freedom is freeing yourself from restraints. Unfasten your seatbelt immediately so you have full movement to escape.
- If you have children, focus on getting your seatbelt off first before assisting them.
3. Open or Break the Window – Your Fastest Exit
Your best chance of survival is escaping through the window. Doors will not open easily due to the force of water pressing against them.
- If the power windows still work, roll them down as fast as possible.
- If they won’t open, break the window immediately using:
- A special car window-breaking tool (widely available online).
- A heavy object with a pointed tip, such as a hammer or wrench.
- The metal prongs from a removable headrest.
- Aim for the corners of the window, as the glass is weaker there.
Do NOT waste time trying to break the windshield—it’s designed to be crash-resistant and will not shatter easily.
4. Help Children First – Oldest to Youngest
If you have children in the car, help them escape in order of age:
- Unbuckle and push the oldest child out first, as they may be able to assist the younger ones.
- Continue helping each child in order, finishing with the youngest.
- Once all children are out, escape yourself.
5. What If the Window Won’t Open or Break?
If all else fails, let the car fill with water before opening the door. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s your only option if the windows cannot be used.
- As the car fills up, the pressure inside and outside will equalise, making it possible to open the door.
- Keep your hand on the door handle as water rises to avoid losing track of it.
- Take a deep breath, push the door open with force (using your feet if necessary), and swim out.
6. Follow Air Bubbles to the Surface Once out of the car, you might feel disoriented due to murky water or panic. The best way to find the surface is by following the air bubbles—they always rise upward.
