Hundreds Drown Each Year in Submerged Cars
A recent tragedy involving Angela Chao, a prominent CEO, has cast a spotlight on a chilling yet often overlooked danger: drowning in a submerged vehicle. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Chao's accidental plunge into a pond highlights the startling statistic - roughly 400 people in North America perish annually trapped inside submerged cars.
This sobering reality exposes a critical gap in auto safety regulations. Unlike measures taken to prevent crashes, there are currently no federal mandates in the U.S. that compel car manufacturers to prioritize occupant safety during submersion incidents.
Act Decisively or Face Peril
Experts emphasize the crucial role of the first 60 seconds after a car plunges into water. Gordon Giesbrecht, a leading scholar on vehicle submersion safety, stresses, "Sixty seconds is a precious window. Clear thinking and decisive action are paramount for survival."
While a minute may seem like an eternity, underwater emergencies demand immediate response. "There's no time for fumbling with owner's manuals," cautions Michael Brooks, head of the Center for Auto Safety, a prominent consumer advocacy group.
Every Second Counts
The key to survival lies in a well-defined escape strategy, executed with urgency. Here's a breakdown of the critical steps:
Maintain Composure: Panic is your enemy. Focus on staying calm and collected to make rational decisions.
Unbuckle and Egress: Swiftly unfasten your seatbelt and prioritize exiting through a lowered window. If children are present, ensure their safe escape first.
Time is of the Essence: Act with haste before the rising water level renders windows inoperable due to increased water pressure. Giesbrecht advises, "There's a window of opportunity to open them until water reaches halfway up."
Sunroof as an Escape Hatch: A functioning sunroof, if available and operable with remaining power, can provide an alternative escape route.
When the Obstacles Arise
If lowering windows becomes impossible, the situation intensifies. Greg Brannon, Director of Automotive Research at the American Automobile Association (AAA), suggests a window-breaking tool – but with a caveat. Ensure your car uses tempered glass, as these tools are ineffective against laminated glass commonly used for safety reasons. Consulting your car's manual or contacting the manufacturer can clarify the type of glass used.
A Deceptive Savior
The notion of escaping through a car door might seem intuitive, but experts warn against it. While technically possible once the car fills with water and pressure equalizes, Giesbrecht cautions, "By that time, the risk of drowning becomes extremely high." Opening the door can also accelerate the car's sinking, further endangering occupants. The most secure escape route remains through the windows.
Effectiveness Under Scrutiny
The efficacy of window-breaking tools in underwater situations remains debatable. Studies conducted by AAA revealed the near impossibility of breaking laminated glass underwater with such tools. However, spring-loaded tools with metal cones are considered more effective than hammer-style mallets for shattering tempered glass. Gerry Dworkin, a renowned expert on submersion incidents, emphasizes, "The tool's effectiveness hinges on immediate use."
The Escape Strategy Remains the Same
The occupant's response should be identical regardless of the car's fuel source. A car submerged in water will typically sink based on its heavier components, like the engine. While electric cars lack traditional combustion engines, they will sink in the direction of their heaviest concentration. Fortunately, electric car designs prioritize shock protection upon water contact, as the high-voltage battery remains isolated from the car's frame, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Regulatory Action Needed
The current lack of regulations regarding submersion safety is concerning. In 2016, a petition advocating for mandatory "emergency window breakers" in all vehicles was dismissed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their rationale centered on the uncertain effectiveness of such tools and the consumer option to purchase them individually. Furthermore, NHTSA acknowledges that some pre-submersion events might render drivers incapacitated, hindering their ability to react effectively.
Knowledge is Power
While the absence of regulations is a concern, equipping yourself with knowledge can empower you to navigate a submersion incident. Remember, the first 60 seconds are critical. Stay calm, prioritize escape through windows, and act decisively. Consider carrying a window-breaking tool suitable for your car
Essential Post-Submersion Actions
Surviving the initial moments underwater is a victory, but the fight doesn't end there. Here's what you need to do once you've escaped the submerged vehicle:
Seek Safety: The immediate priority is to move away from the sinking car and reach stable ground. If there's a current, swim against it to avoid being pulled further underwater.
Assess Yourself and Others: Check yourself and any accompanying passengers for injuries. If medical attention is necessary, call emergency services immediately. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen without proper evaluation.
Hypothermia Risk: Submersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. If you experience these, seek shelter from the elements and remove wet clothing. Wrap yourself in dry blankets or towels to retain body heat.
Alert Emergency Responders: Dial emergency services as soon as possible. Provide details about your location, the number of people involved, and any injuries sustained. The quicker they arrive, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Psychological Impact: Submersion incidents can be deeply traumatic. Consider seeking professional help to address any emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Talking to a therapist can equip you with coping mechanisms to manage the emotional aftermath.
Safeguarding Yourself Against Submersion
While these steps detail post-submersion actions, prevention is always the best course of action. Here are some proactive measures you can take to minimize your risk:
Maintain Vehicle Awareness: Stay alert while driving, especially near bodies of water. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone.
Practice Safe Driving Habits: Always obey speed limits and drive defensively. Be cautious around slippery roads or during adverse weather conditions.
Invest in a Window-Breaking Tool: Purchase a window-breaking tool specifically designed for your car's glass type (tempered or laminated). Keep it readily accessible within the vehicle.
Familiarity is Crucial: Take some time to read your car's owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, including sunroofs if present. Knowing how to unbuckle your seatbelt and operate the windows quickly can be life-saving.
Spread Awareness: Educate your family and friends about the dangers of submersion and the importance of remaining calm and acting decisively in such situations. Sharing this knowledge can potentially save lives.
