Nature and water
Car falling into water
Your car goes into a river, canal, or flooded underpass. You have about 1 minute.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Take off your seat belt immediately.
- 2Lower or break the side window before the water arrives.
- 3Unbuckle the children, oldest to youngest. Get them out before you.
- 4Exit through the window and climb onto the roof.
- 5Swim to shore only if it's close and the current is weak.
- 6Call 911 once you're out.
Don't
- Don't call 911 first: every second counts.
- Don't try to open the door: the water holds it shut.
- Don't wait for it to fill "to equalize pressure."
- Don't try to get out through the windshield.
Have ready
- Tool with a spring-loaded punch and seat-belt cutter.
- Keep it on your key ring or in the console, not in the glove box.
- Check whether your side windows are laminated glass: that kind doesn't break this way.
Key factRemember: seat belt, window, children, out. Even better, don't go in: 12 inches (30 cm) of moving water sweeps away a small car. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 13 · Sea, lakes, and rivers
