Print This List    Email to a Friend  

Car is going under water? How to Escape from a Sinking Car  
HOW TO 

Tags: bridge, bridge collapse, water escape, car, escape from car, emergency procedures, sinking car, water, rivers

Sinking cars are an unusual phenomenon. It's reasonable to assume that the thought of being inside a car when it sinks must be one of the most frightening experiences imaginable for most people. It's estimated by an American Professor, John Hunsucker, that around 350 people die every year in sinking vehicles. John Harlan's SmartDriving.co.uk suggests the following tips to get out of a sinking car

1.	Release your seatbelts and open the windows - be aware that the seatbelts might not retract; take care not to get tangled.
2.	If your head restraints are removable, pull them out when you release your seatbelt to enable easy passage for rear passengers.
3.	If your windows jam, try to break them. An 'emergency hammer' is ideal; a steering wheel security lock will do; or kick hard.
4.	You may be able to open a door, but if you can, it's probably better to exit through a window.
5.	The car will sink 'heavy end' first (the heavy end is where the engine is). In deeper water it may flip onto its roof.
6.	In a car that sinks front first, there will be a bubble of air in the back, but you should stay in the front ... the front windows are often bigger and easier to get out of — for all passengers.
7.	The car won't sink immediately, even with the windows open, however you must use every moment to free yourself and passengers and get out. Push children out first.
8.	It may seem obvious - but don't try to save anything except lives. Computers, phones, purses, jewellery, etc. can be replaced - you can't!
9.	If you are unable to open a window, there is the equalisation option as a last resort. Keep your head. There should be enough air for the minute or two that it will take to prepare to escape. When the car is nearly full of water, take a deep breath and push a door open, you may need to do this with your feet (for extra strength). Note the wait: If you try to open the doors too soon the water pressure will

Lister: TrailerGuyBob
Source: SmartDriving

Other lists of interest:

Top 10 Rivers at Risk in the World WORSTS  (0)

Why Your Gas Mileage Is So Low INFORMATIVE  (0)

Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage INFORMATIVE  (3)

How to Calculate Your Car's ACTUAL Miles Per Gallon (MPG) INFORMATIVE  (1)

How Hybrid Cars and Trucks Work INFORMATIVE  (0)

Rate it:
Give your rating for this list. One is the lowest score, five is the highest.

1.  2.  3.  4.  5. 

Add a Comment: Add your comments about the list. Enter your comment in the box below.