If your car falls into water, time is critical. Here's what you should do to escape safely:
Stay calm and act quickly. Panic wastes time and energy. You have about 30–60 seconds before the car becomes difficult to escape from.
Unbuckle your seatbelt immediately. Do the same for any passengers, starting with children in the back seat.
Do NOT try to open the door. The water pressure outside will make it almost impossible. You'll waste precious time and energy.
Open or break a window.
If the windows are still working (electric), open them immediately.
If not, use a window-breaking tool or hard object to shatter the side window (never the windshield-it's too strong).
If you don't have a tool, kick the window forcefully with your heels.
Escape through the window.
Once the window is open or broken, climb out headfirst and swim to safety. Help others exit in the same way if possible.
If you can't open or break a window, wait until the car fills with water.
The pressure will equalize, and you may be able to open the door at that point-but this is a last resort.
Tip: Always keep a window-breaking tool and seatbelt cutter in your car within easy reach (like attached to your driver's seat or keychain).
