How to open your car door when trapped underwater

Important Life-Saving Techniques on How to Open a Car Door When Trapped Underwater in an Emergency Situation.

Being trapped in a submerged vehicle can be a terrifying and life-threatening situation. However, knowing how to open a car door when underwater can significantly increase your chances of survival. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and essential techniques to escape a submerged vehicle safely. It is important to remember that remaining calm, thinking clearly, and acting swiftly are key to your survival in this critical situation.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:

• Take a deep breath and stay relaxed. Panicking can impair your ability to think and act effectively.
• Assess the water level inside the vehicle, your surroundings, and the condition of the car.

2. Unbuckle Your Seatbelt:

• Reach for the seatbelt release button and quickly unbuckle it.
• If the seatbelt is stuck or jammed, use a seatbelt cutter or a sharp object to cut through it.

3. Open or Break the Window:

• Electronic Windows: Attempt to roll down the window immediately using the electronic window controls.
• Manual Windows: If the electronic controls don’t work or the car has manual windows, locate the window crank handle and turn it counterclockwise to lower the window.

4. Use Headrest to Break the Window:

• If the windows are unable to open, detach one of the headrests from the seat.
• Insert the metal prongs of the headrest into the window corner, aiming for the edges or corners where the glass is weakest.
• Push or strike the headrest against the glass forcefully until it shatters.

5. Escape Through the Broken Window:

• Once the window is broken, remove any remaining glass shards and push them away from the opening.
• Exit the vehicle promptly, head first if possible, and move away from the sinking car.

6. Wait Until the Vehicle Equalizes:

• In some cases, the car may not sink immediately but instead become partially submerged.
• If this happens, wait for the water pressure inside and outside the vehicle to equalize before opening the door.
• Once the pressure has equalized, open the door and exit the vehicle as quickly as possible.

7. Utilize the Emergency Hammer:

• Keep emergency escape tools, such as a specialized car hammer, within reach.
• Use the hammer’s pointed end to strike the window corners or edges with sufficient force to break it.

8. Break Side or Rear Windows:

• If opening the door or breaking the front window proves difficult, attempt to break the side or rear windows.
• Utilize the same techniques mentioned earlier, using forceful strikes to shatter the glass.

9. Consider Removing the Windshield:

• As a last resort, remove the windshield if other exit options are not accessible.
• Use the same tools or objects used to break the window to strike the windshield near the edges, as it is more likely to shatter.

10. Prepare for Submersion:

• If the vehicle is fully submerged, take a deep breath before opening the door or exiting through the broken window.
• Stay calm and swim toward the surface, keeping in mind the direction of the nearest exit point.

Knowing how to open a car door when trapped underwater can be the difference between life and death in a dire situation. Remember to stay calm, unbuckle your seatbelt, and attempt to open the windows or break them using various techniques. If necessary, use specialized tools like emergency hammers to shatter the glass and create an escape route. Practice these techniques and prepare for potential emergencies to increase your chances of survival. It is crucial to remember that time is of the essence, and acting swiftly and efficiently is vital for your safety.