Most accidents are frightening. An accident where your vehicle becomes submerged in water and you’re trapped inside, is even more terrifying. Surprisingly, the majority of deaths are the result of panic and not having a plan. The first thing you should do is brace yourself for impact. To get into a brace position, place both of your hands on the steering wheel in the nine and three positions. The impact your car makes when it hits the water could activate the airbag and if you’re in any other position, you can sustain a serious injury.
The next thing you should do is remain calm. Panicking uses up valuable air, reduces energy, and may cause you to blank out. Undoing your seat belt should be done immediately. If there are children in the car, unbuckle them starting with the oldest (who can help you with the younger ones). Avoid trying to call for help on your cell phone. Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives trying to make a call. As soon as you hit the water, open the window. Many people concentrate on the door, but you should really be concentrating on the window. A vehicle’s electrical system should be able to work for up to three minutes when in water.
In the event that you’re not able to open the window, you will have to break it. Try to find some object that you could use to break it. If you can’t, then your foot will have to be used. You should aim to kick near the front area of the window or the hinges. Since breaking a window is difficult, use those breaking point areas. It’s important to avoid attempting to break the windshield as they are made from safety glass and virtually unbreakable. To think ahead, you can also purchase a window-breaking tool from an auto supply store and keep it in your car. Most window breaking tools also come equipped with a seatbelt cutter.
Once you break the window, take a deep breath and swim out. Since water will be gushing in, use all your strength to push yourself out and swim up. Tend to any children and help them stay near the surface.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
