Caught In The Water? Learn How To Escape A Sinking Car

One of the dangers of driving during a hurricane is having your car swept into flood waters. Do you know what to do if your car ends up in the water? Boca Raton accident lawyer David Glatthorn explains how to escape from a car being swept away by water.

• Stay calm. If you panic, you won’t be able to focus.
• Stay buckled in. You will have three to four minutes before your car is pulled into the water. This is the best time to escape. 
• Roll down the window. This may seem counterintuitive, but your door may only open while its electrical systems still operate. You need to roll down your window before the water can interfere with the electric systems in the door. Do not try to open the door yet. Water pressure will push against the door and you will not be able to open it.
• If you can’t get the window rolled down, you will need to wait until your car fills with water in order to get the door open. 
• If you can’t open a door, you may need to break a window. The front and rear windshield are made of tempered glass, so you will have to use a side window. This is easy to do if you have an escape hammer like LifeHammer or device like the ResQMe escape tool; otherwise, use your keys, knife, or another object.
• Unbuckle your seatbelt.
• Get out.
• Swim to the surface.
• Do not return to the car for any reason.

During hurricanes, pay attention to flood warnings and Do Not Enter signs. When traveling, try to avoid roads that frequently flood.

David Glatthorn is a personal injury lawyer in Boca Raton and the author of The Florida Accident Workbook: Tools, Tips & Tactics to Resolve Your Injury Claim. Click on the link to request your free copy. To discuss your own Boca Raton accident claim with David Glatthorn, call our office at 561-659-1999.  The initial consultation is free.