- In this report
- Overview
- Brake failure
- Crashes
- Deep water
- Electrical storm
- Fire
- Locked in car
- Overheating
- Sliding sideways
- Snow, mud, or sand
- Sudden acceleration
- Thick fog
- Tire blowout
Plunging into deep water
Last reviewed: September 2010
This article appeared in If your car plunges into water, it's only a matter of seconds before it sinks. Get everyone out immediately if you can.
- Unlatch your safety belt.
- Open the window. If you must, break it with a hammer, sharp tool, or pocket knife.
- If the car is afloat, get yourself and others out through a window or sunroof, pushing children out first.
- Water pressure from outside might prevent you from opening a door. Only when the car fills with water will the pressure equalize, letting you open the door. You might be able to breathe air trapped near your car's roof until you can escape. Have children stand on the seat to reach the air pockets.
Did you know?
Just a foot of water will make most cars float, and 2 feet of rushing water is enough to sweep away most passenger vehicles in a flood.
