The question has probably crossed your mind with the recent news in Baltimore: what should I do if my vehicle fell off a bridge and ended up in the water? There are a series of gestures and actions to take to escape from a sinking car.
It’s an understatement to say that the collapse of the Francis-Scott-Key bridge in Baltimore made the rounds on the web and the media. It must be said that the scene, captured by a public camera, is rare: we witness the collision of a container ship against one of the piles supporting the structure. The impact caused several vehicles that were on it to fall into the water.
The accident has already sparked numerous articles, notably on engineering (to explain technically what happened and how to prevent it from happening again) and navigation (to tell how sailors maneuver in river mouths narrow). There is also another approach to consider: that of motorists.
What should you do, in fact, if you ever find yourself in a car that falls into the water? This possibility is obviously very weak, but it is not zero (it is undoubtedly more so than the hypothesis of a nuclear explosion requiring one to hide in a room). In reality, this risk may be higher than we think.
Because it’s not just the fall of a bridge that can cause a car (and its occupant(s)) to end up in the water. An unfortunate exit from the road can precipitate a vehicle into a river, a lake or the sea. Very bad weather can cause floods and carry away cars and their passengers as they pass by.
The flood, in particular, should not be taken lightly. As the Ministry of the Interior points out, 30 centimeters of water are enough to carry away a car in the event of flooding. “ A vehicle gives a false impression of security », Warns Place Beauvau. The news regularly reports drivers killed by floods.
What does it take to escape from your crashed car?
Keep calm
There is a list of quick actions to take if by any chance you find yourself in this situation. It is what details a former police officer, Derrick “Andre” Reid Jr, on X (ex-Twitter). The person, who is now the head of a shooting and security company, Elite Tactical Solutions, broke down on March 26 to explain how to survive.
First of all, it is about keep calm. This is of course easier said than done, especially if you are falling several dozen meters from a bridge. But by maintaining a minimum of lucidity and composure, this will make the rest of the operations easier for you. Especially since, underlines the former police officer, the car will float for a few tens of seconds.
This delay, which varies depending on the car and the way in which you end up in the water, can give you enough time to tackle the next stages, which will be critical for the future. “ Your survival and escape depend on your actions in the first two minutes of the accident “, writes Derrick Reid Jr. At least, if the car floats that long.
Open or break windows
First thing to do: immediately roll down the car windows. This will have the effect of bringing water into the passenger compartment, but it will also be your path to escape. You have to lower the windows very quickly, because there is a risk of not being able to do it when you start to sink, because of the pressure.
Moreover, it is not recommended to try to open the doors. On the one hand, it is not certain that you will succeed, precisely because of the pressure which will put up strong resistance. And if you do, you risk burning out and wasting time. On the other hand, you will mainly speed up the flow of water into the car and sink faster.
If you cannot roll down the windows, you have to break them. Derrick Reid Jr recommends targeting the doors, not the windshield. Ideally, if you have a window breaker, use it. The headrest of a seat can also be decisive. It is best to attack the window at an angle for best results.
Unfastening or cutting the seat belt
Of course, break away to avoid being hindered by the seat belt. The former police officer suggests doing it after managing the windows. This order can be debated. The site Popular Mechanics, which wrote an article like this in 2020, suggests removing your belt first to be more free to move.
In all cases, check that the other passengers were also able to detach themselves — especially children, if there are any. Cut the belt if it doesn’t come off. At least, if you have a knife or scissors with you or in the glove compartment. Otherwise, try to unwind the entire belt to gain some clearance and free yourself.
Flee out the window
Then it’s time to escape through the window. If the waterline is below the opening, the water will not offer resistance. Otherwise, it will be more difficult, but not impossible. Evacuate children first, then adults. If you also show that you know what to do, this may appease third parties with you.
Obviously, the difficulties were not yet over at that point. You still have to swim and reach the bank (or be lucky enough to be quickly fished out). The potential challenges are numerous: current, water temperature, possible injuries, weight of wet clothing, panic, marine animals…
Beware of bad ideas
Final advice: “ Don’t wait for the car to fill up “, adds Derrick Reid Jr. “ Some say you have to wait until the pressure inside and outside equalizes to open the door easily. But it takes a few minutes. It’s not immediate. How long can you hold your breath? »
Of course, you still have to memorize all these steps and hope to think about them when the time comes. It’s always easier when you’re not overcome by fear. The presence of objects on board capable of helping you is a plus. It may be worth having a window breaker, for example, just in case, in the same spirit as a high visibility vest. In case.
One last tip, which Derrick Reid Jr does not mention, but which can be found on a site like WikiHow: don’t waste time calling for help. The car will certainly sink before they arrive. Use this time as a priority to take action. And, of course, don’t get hung up on saving possessions. Only the occupants.
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