How to Escape from a Sinking Car: A Step-by-Step Guide
Picture this: You’re driving near a lake or crossing a bridge, and suddenly, something goes wrong. Maybe you lose control on a slick road, or another vehicle forces you off course. Before you know it, your car is sinking.
It’s a terrifying thought, but staying calm and acting fast can mean the difference between life and death. Knowing what to do before you hit the water and exactly how to escape can save your life.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to survive if your car ever ends up in the water.
The Golden Rule: Get Out Fast!
The most important thing to remember is you have about 30 to 60 seconds before your car sinks significantly. The sooner you act, the better your chances of survival.
Do NOT wait for rescuers—you don’t have time. You need to take control of the situation yourself.
Step 1: Open Your Window IMMEDIATELY
- As soon as you hit the water, roll down your window. This is your best way out.
- Power windows may still work for a few moments before the car’s electrical system shorts out.
- If your window won’t roll down, break it using:
- A sharp object like a car escape tool (glass-breaking hammer).
- The metal part of your seatbelt buckle.
- Your feet or elbows (focus on the edges, not the center).
💡 Why the window and not the door?
- Opening the door is nearly impossible at first due to water pressure.
- If you do get it open, it will flood the car instantly, making escape harder.
Best case scenario? Open the window and climb out within seconds.
Step 2: Unbuckle Your Seatbelt
- Unbuckle immediately. If it’s stuck:
- Use a seatbelt cutter (most emergency tools have them).
- If you don’t have one, try pulling the belt across your body and twisting it to create slack.
If you have kids:
- Help the oldest child first (they can help with younger ones).
- Do NOT waste time unbuckling car seats—cut the straps if necessary.
Step 3: Get Out and Swim to the Surface
Once your seatbelt is off and your window is open, get out as quickly as possible.
- If your car is floating: Pull yourself out and swim away from the car.
- If the car is sinking fast: Push off from the car to help propel yourself upward.
- Look for light—the surface is always in the direction of light.
Swimming Tip:
- If you’re deep underwater and unsure which way is up, blow out a few bubbles. Follow the bubbles—they always go up.
What If You Can’t Open the Window?
If you didn’t roll down the window in time and can’t break it, you’ll have to wait until the car fills with water.
Sounds scary, but it’s your only option at this point.
Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm. You need to conserve air and energy.
- Let the water fill the car. As terrifying as it feels, this equalizes the pressure inside and outside.
- Take a deep breath right before the car is completely submerged.
- Open the door once the pressure is equalized (this usually happens when water is at your chin).
- Swim up to the surface. Push off from the car to get a boost.
What If You’re Trapped in the Backseat?
- If you’re stuck in the back and can’t move forward, try to break a back window.
- Some cars have rear windows that don’t roll down—this is why keeping an emergency escape tool handy is critical.
- If the windows won’t break and the car fills with water, move toward an air pocket near the ceiling, take a deep breath, and escape when the pressure equalizes.
How to Prepare in Advance
Survival is all about preparation. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready before an accident happens:
1. Keep an Emergency Tool in Your Car
🚨 A seatbelt cutter + window breaker tool is a must-have.
- Store it within reach (glove box, center console, door pocket, or attached to your keys).
- Some tools even mount to the driver’s side for quick access.
2. Know Your Car’s Features
- Do your windows roll down manually or electrically?
- Can you open the rear windows?
- Where are the child safety locks?
- Some newer cars have waterproof electrical systems that let windows work for a short time underwater.
3. Teach Your Family What to Do
- Make sure your kids know the escape steps.
- Practice unbuckling seatbelts and opening windows quickly.
- If you drive near water often, consider taking a water escape safety course.
Myths vs. Facts
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
❌ Myth: “Wait for the car to sink before escaping.”
✅ Fact: No! The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Escape ASAP.
❌ Myth: “Doors can be opened immediately.”
✅ Fact: Water pressure makes this almost impossible at first.
❌ Myth: “You can always call 911 and wait for help.”
✅ Fact: Emergency responders won’t arrive in time—you must act fast.
Final Thoughts
A sinking car is one of the most dangerous situations you can face on the road, but if you stay calm, act fast, and follow these steps, you can survive.
- Open the window IMMEDIATELY.
- Unbuckle your seatbelt.
- Help children (oldest first).
- Get out and swim to the surface.
- If trapped, wait for the car to fill, then escape.
The best way to increase your chances of survival is to prepare.
- Teach your family what to do.
- Keep an escape tool in your car.
- Practice the steps mentally.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general advice and should not replace specific instructions from local authorities or professionals. Always follow the guidance of local emergency management officials.
Make sure to check out more articles in our News & Views section. Feel free to reach out any time to see how Entropy Survival can help you prepare you and your family for any disaster or survival scenario.