Car falling into water

A car can leave the road into a canal, a river, or a flooded underpass. According to researcher Gordon Giesbrecht and the organization Kids and Cars, you have about a minute before the water rises above the windows and it becomes very hard to get out. After that, water pressure keeps the doors from opening even if the electrical system is still working. Do not call 911 first and do not wait for the car to fill "to equalize the pressure": every second counts.

1. Seat belt: take off your seat belt immediately.
2. Window: lower or break the side window before the water reaches it. Power windows usually keep working for a while after the car goes in. Do not try to open the door.
3. Children: unbuckle the children, starting with the oldest (who can help himself or herself), and get them out through the window ahead of you.
4. Out: get out through the window and climb onto the roof. From there, assess: if the shore is close and the current is weak, swim toward it. Call 911 once you are out.