Escaping from a submerged vehicle: All you need to know
The AA explains how to handle a situation where a vehicle is submerged.
Data made available from the Automobile Association indicates less than a half a percent of all motor vehicle crashes involve submersion.
While it is not a common occurrence, it is crucial for motorists to know what to do in the event of their vehicle being submerged
The AA on vehicle submersion:
According to the AA, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and help your passengers stay calm. Take a few deep breaths and calm down before taking action. Think before you do something; don’t waste valuable energy. If you panic you won’t be able to focus on the task at hand.
The fear of being trapped by a seatbelt and not being able to unbuckle it is unnecessary. A seatbelt is designed for quick release, to hold you in place and to prevent your head from slamming into the steering wheel or dashboard. If you are not wearing a seatbelt you might be knocked unconscious.
Make sure the impact is over before unbuckling your seatbelt. If it won’t release, find something to cut it with. Beware that the seatbelts might not retract; take care not to get tangled.
Once a vehicle sinks it will turn sideways or upside down. Passengers who aren’t buckled in will float within the vehicle and can easily become disorientated. If you remain in your seated position it becomes easier to find the door handle regardless of the position of the vehicle.
When sinking rapidly stay calm, unbuckle your seatbelt and check on your passengers. Try to wait for the water pressure inside the vehicle to become equal to the pressure outside before opening a door or window.
Most important; never try to save anything except lives.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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