2 days Ago By [email protected] (Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Vehicle drownings are a rare occurrence in the UK, with Road Casualties Great Britain reporting just 33 incidents in 2005 of cars being submerged.
Meanwhile, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) documented over 100 accidental drownings from 2000 to 2005, which works out at about 20 each year. To keep clear of such dangers, it's essential to maintain a safe driving speed, adjust for weather conditions, plan routes in advance, and avoid driving tired. Wearing a seatbelt is equally important as it dramatically lowers the chances of serious injury if an accident occurs.
Nevertheless, understanding what to do if your car ends up underwater is critical. Driving expert Hermione has revealed "three sentences" that might save your life, helping you "escape from danger quickly" should you find your vehicle in water. On her TikTok account @driver_hermione, she advised if water hasn't risen above the windows, forget your valuables, get the door open, and get out straightaway.
However, opinions on this matter vary, as RoSPA warns that opening the door while the car is sinking could cause water to rush in, speeding up the sinking process. They suggest instead to roll down a window. Yet if the water level is already above the car window, the pressure will likely prevent you from opening it.
"And the electrical appliances in the car will also short circuit," added Hermione. In the event of a car sinking, Hermione advises finding an object to break the window due to its thickness. She suggests using the metal rods from a removed headrest to "lift up" the bottom of the car window with force, causing it to shatter.
In situations where the window can't be opened, she recommends moving to the backseat since the front, weighed down by the engine, will sink first. "The front of the car will sink first and the rear of the car will rise," she explained. If trapped, Hermione says to press the button to fold down a seat to access the trunk, and use the internal release button on the backdoor to open it.
However, there's conflicting advice on the matter. The AA advises staying near the front for a better chance of escaping through the windows, while Kids and Car Safety suggests that in an SUV or van, the hatchback door is the last to submerge, offering an escape route if it can be opened. The AA also provides additional guidance: "Release your seatbelt and open the windows.
Windows are the best exit point if a car is underwater. "If there are children in the car, free them and get them out first. It will take one to two minutes for the car to fill up, breathe deeply and prepare to swim.
Once out swim to the surface, take care in the water as there might be debris floating around." If the electric windows aren't working, you'll need to break them. The AA explained: "At the base of the headrest are the two metal prongs that adjust the height of the headrest, these are shaped to aid breaking a window.
Hold the headrest firmly with the prongs directed at the window." Alternatively, you can use the buckle of the seatbelt, which may take longer, but it will weaken the window. If there aren't any heavy objects, use your body as a last resort, as this could cause harm.
"An SUV or van hatchback door will be the last to go under water," they said. "If you can open the hatchback door, everyone can exit through the rear opening. "Remember to remain calm, remove your seatbelt and find an escape through a window or sunroof.
By keeping these steps in mind, you can increase your chances of getting out safely.".
