How to Survive a Submerged Car

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Being trapped in a sinking vehicle is one of the most terrifying experiences a driver or passenger can encounter. Although the chances of facing such a situation are slim, over 10,000 water-related car accidents happen annually in the United States, leading to approximately 400 deaths each year from drowning inside vehicles. In this life-threatening scenario, staying calm and taking the right actions could save your life—and the lives of others.

In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies for escaping a submerged car, share important safety tips for different situations, and address common mistakes that can make a dangerous situation even worse. Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or an unconscious passenger, these survival techniques will help you react confidently and increase your chances of escaping safely.

Why Cars End Up in Water

Accidents that result in a vehicle becoming submerged are more common than people think. Here are some of the common causes:

• Flooding or heavy rain: Sudden floods can sweep vehicles off the road.

• Bridge or road failures: In the U.S., nearly 12% of bridges are structurally deficient, posing a collapse risk.

• Swerving off the road: Loss of control, whether due to icy conditions, distractions, or sharp curves, can send cars into nearby lakes or rivers.

• Vehicle accidents: Collisions near water bodies, such as rivers or coastal roads, sometimes end with one or more cars in the water.

With little warning before the vehicle begins to sink, knowing exactly what to do is critical for survival.

How to Escape a Sinking Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

When your vehicle enters water, the first few moments are the most important. Cars typically float for 30 to 120 seconds before sinking, giving you a narrow window to escape. Panic will waste valuable time and cloud your ability to make quick decisions, so take a deep breath and focus on the steps you need to follow.

Step 2: Unbuckle Your Seatbelt Immediately

As soon as the car hits the water, unbuckle your seatbelt to free yourself. If the seatbelt gets stuck, use a seatbelt cutter—keeping one handy within reach is always a good idea. Do not attempt to help others yet; you must free yourself first to open the path to safety.

Step 3: Open the Window Quickly

The easiest way out of a sinking vehicle is through the window, but you need to act before the water rises too high.

• Electric windows often remain functional for a few minutes, even after the car enters the water. Roll them down as quickly as possible.

• If the windows won’t roll down, break them using a hammer-style window breaker. Avoid trying to shatter the windshield, as it is far stronger than side windows.

• Tip: Not all car windows are tempered glass—some are laminated and cannot shatter easily. Check your car’s glass type and prepare accordingly.

Step 4: Assist Other Passengers (If Applicable)

Once you’ve freed yourself and opened an escape path, help other passengers:

• With children:

  • Start with the oldest child, as they may assist with younger siblings.

  • For babies in car seats, unbuckle or remove the entire seat and push it through the window.

• With unconscious passengers:

  • Cut their seatbelt with a tool and support their head.

  • Push them through the window first to prevent them from blocking your escape.

Important: Time is limited, so prioritize getting everyone out before the car sinks further.

Step 5: Exit Through the Window and Swim to Safety

Once the window is open or broken, climb through quickly. The front of the car will likely sink first, so avoid exiting through the windshield. Use your arms to pull yourself through the window, and push off the vehicle to swim toward the surface.

• If you are disoriented underwater, follow any bubbles—they always rise toward the surface.

• In ice-covered water, swim toward the impact hole where your car entered.

If you can’t swim, remain calm, conserve energy, and float toward debris or other floating objects until help arrives.

Special Situations: Traveling with Kids, Pets, or Injured Passengers

If You Are Traveling with Pets:

• Keep small pets in carriers, and push the carrier out first.

• For larger animals, stay calm to avoid startling them. Guide them out through the window as best as you can without risking your safety.

If a Passenger Is Unconscious:

• Unbuckle them or use a cutter if needed.

• Push them through the window head-first, supporting their neck if possible.

• Swim alongside them to prevent further injury as you ascend to the surface.

If You Can’t Swim:

• Use the car as a platform to push off toward the surface.

• Find floating debris or hold onto anything buoyant until you reach safety.

What NOT to Do in a Sinking Vehicle

1. Don’t Open the Door.
   Opening the door will let water rush in and sink the car faster. Plus, the water pressure will make it nearly impossible to open a door once submerged.

2. Don’t Wait for the Car to Fill Completely.
   There is a misconception that you should wait for the car to fill with water to equalize pressure inside and out. However, this takes longer than expected, and you risk drowning while waiting.

3. Don’t Call 911 Until You Escape.
   Every second counts, and making a call will slow your exit. Once you are safely out of the water, then call for help.

Preparation: Be Ready for the Unexpected

1. Keep an Emergency Tool Accessible:
   Store a glass-breaking hammer or multi-tool where it can be reached easily, such as on your keychain or attached to your sun visor.

2. Practice Your Family’s Escape Plan:
   Go over the S.W.O. routine with your family:

   • Seatbelts off

   • Window open or broken

   • Out—children first

3. Know Your Car’s Glass Type:
   Some newer cars use laminated glass, which can’t be shattered with traditional tools. Check your vehicle's windows for labels, and invest in the appropriate tool if needed.

After Escaping the Car

• Swim to safety and call emergency services once you reach land.

• If the water is cold, seek warmth immediately to avoid hypothermia.

• Even if you feel fine, get medical attention—adrenaline can mask injuries sustained during the escape.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Saves Lives

While no one plans to experience a sinking car, accidents happen unexpectedly. Knowing how to react can mean the difference between life and death. Preparation is key: keep tools within reach, teach your passengers what to do, and rehearse the escape steps regularly.

By following these steps, staying calm, and acting swiftly, you greatly improve your chances of surviving this harrowing experience. Whether you’re driving alone or with children, pets, or passengers, knowing how to escape will help you react with confidence and speed. Stay safe, stay prepared—and drive with peace of mind.

This article provides life-saving strategies to escape a submerged car—knowledge every driver should have. Be sure to share these tips with loved ones so they can be prepared too.

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