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Water Smart

What to do when water is everywhere

It's the stuff of nightmares: You're in your vehicle, in a body of water and you're sinking. Never mind how you got there, it's the getting out that's critical. As in most life-threatening situations, keeping your wits and knowing what to do give you the best chances for survival.

While panic is typically the first reaction of a deluged driver, believe it or not, there's such a thing as being too calm in this situation. As a case in point, a young woman in rural North San Diego County was swept off a culvert river crossing at flood stage. The crossing flooded on a regular basis and it was a badge of honor to at least give it a try. As her compact sedan headed downstream, she blithely tried to steer the vehicle toward the tree-snarled bank. Didn't work.

Once the car was entangled in debris, and began sinking, a rescue squad arrived on scene. With a fireman dangling above the boiling river in a wind-lashed rainstorm, our driver had to retrieve her purse before being plucked off the car. She was lucky and lived to be embarrassed over the incident, but it usually takes more than luck to escape a sinking vehicle. Let's go over some smarter options.

Act-Fast Advice

Of course, the only sure way out of water is to not drive through it in the first place and to avoid potential flood areas once warnings are issued. Given that, an escape involves layers of prompt action, most of which are pure common sense, but as the above example illustrates, common sense can take some odd detours once a car hits the water.

A couple of things that can help you stay calm: First is the knowledge that it takes from two to 10 minutes for a vehicle to become completely submerged, plenty of time to get out. And second, a vehicle that enters the water nose first will usually level out.

The obvious initial step: Unbuckle your seat belt. Then, roll down your window and make sure the doors are unlocked. If the water level is well below the window and you're in calm water, just crawl out and head for shore. A vehicle retains some buoyancy until it starts taking on significant water, so there is a short period of time for a quick escape.

There is some debate about electric windows: Some say the battery stays operative even when submerged; others point out that the motor that operates the window is mid-way up the car door and will short out as soon as water hits it. A sinking car is not the place to experiment with either premise. Just get out as quickly as possible (not taking time to steer or grab a purse or briefcase).

If there are passengers, especially young children, the more capable swimmers need to escape first. You can only rescue those still trapped if you are no longer trapped yourself. Some experts recommend that the strongest passenger push children or weaker passengers out the window before exiting. Your decision has to be based on the relative strength of each passenger and the particular circumstances. A flotation device helps, but simply may not be available. Trapping air in a jacket or shirt will help keep poor or non-swimmers afloat.

The force of swift water can carry a vehicle some distance before it sinks; the bad news is, depending on the depth of the water, the car can flip over. There are too many variables in strong currents to effectively cover self-rescue here. But a few things to remember: Exit downstream, because the current can otherwise pin you against your vehicle. Also, if your vehicle and water level seem stable, you might be able to safely wait for rescue on the roof of the vehicle. But if you end up in the water, float on your back, feet first; and you're probably safer mid-stream than along the banks where eddies, formed around debris, can drag you under. Don't try to swim against the current. Instead, angle your way downstream toward a clear shore or a rescue line.

Window Issues

Now, back to calmer waters. You've got your seat belt undone, but can't get the window open. We'll deal with getting the door open later, for now the window is still your best escape route. Brace yourself and kick the window out with your heels. Heavy tools, like fire extinguishers, can also do the job.

The most effective method for breaking open a vehicle window is to use a spring-loaded center punch, also known as a power punch. Just hold the point against the window and push to load the spring and shatter the window. This is one of those times that warrant a fully equipped emergency kit. If the window is broken out or opened after the water has risen to window level, be aware that the force of the water rushing in will delay your exit. Better to exit once the force diminishes than sap your energy trying to fight it.

Now, the worst-case scenario: You can't get the windows open and the vehicle is filling with water and going down fast. As the vehicle fills, an air pocket will form near the roof. Keep your head in that pocket and try to breath normally. Once the water pressure inside the vehicle nears the pressure outside, the doors can be opened, with some effort. If the vehicle starts to roll over, hang onto the steering wheel to avoid injury. If you're disoriented once the vehicle settles, follow your bubbles to the new "top."

Once you're freed, kick yourself away from the vehicle as you would against the side of a swimming pool. As the car sinks, it carries water with it exerting enough force to drag you along.

Just remember: Seat belt, windows and as a last resort, the door—all while keeping your wits. The "wits" are important for two reasons: First, panic will drain the energy, both physical and mental, required to escape safely. Second, when you make it out okay, you won't end up seeing yourself on the evening news, casually steering a floating car or scrambling for your purse.