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Key to Survival in a Sinking Car

In the recent years car accidents has increased tremendously. Car accidents are terrifying, but the scariest one would be an accident in which the vehicle is thrown into the water. These kinds of accidents are hazardous as it can lead to drowning and can even prove fatal. The most difficult condition is when one is trapped inside a sinking car. So to escape one really requires a little knowledge as how to cope up with such situation. Here are some of the tips that can help one to escape a sinking car.
  • If one notices that the car is going off the road and into the water then first the occupants need to adopt a brace position by placing both the hands on opposite sides of the head by making "X" with arms and letting the outside arm/hand grab the shoulder belt. Even the children need to be guided to take the same position.
  • Do not panic, be calm, plan out the possible ways to save yourself and the occupants from sinking into water.
  • If the car is floating then the occupants need to move really fast to unlock the door or open the window.
  • The car lights can be turned on if the vision is not clear. Basically the lights are water proofed and they will help rescuers find the vehicle.
  • But if the car is sinking speedily then the occupants will have to wait until the car interior floods to open windows or doors. This is because the water flow creates a pressure that helps to open the doors as well as windows. The electric windows can be used as the water will not obstruct with a cars electrical system for at least several minutes.
  • The side and rear windows are the best options for escape. If the water starts coming close to the windows then open the windows and allow the water to pour in. And one needs to make sure that the seatbelt is used. This is really safe because its holds the passengers to the seat against the gushing water and prevents them from swaying away by underwater bafflement.

  • If the electrically operated windows do not work, the only option left is to break the windows. The side and rear windows can be easily broken when struck hard with a pointed objects like hammers, screwdrivers and steering wheel locks can also be used. These tools are called as window punches and can be kept in the car for emergency cases. The easiest way to break a window is to strike it near a corner or edge.
  • The clothing and heavy objects in occupants pockets can also make them sink. So it would be better to remove off these heavy objects, because if the occupant is in lighter clothes it would be easier for them to swim.
  • If there is a sunroof the occupant can open it and escape through there before the water reaches the top of the car.
  • After surviving one must take some medical treatment for the injuries.

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