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How To Escape a Car Sinking in Deep Water

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Uploaded by on Feb 13, 2009

Handle any emergency with Howcast's First Aid app - http://howc.st/jkDRTe

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

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It can happen in an instant: Your car ends up in the water, and it's sinking fast. Here's how to get out.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Self-composure
Glass-breaking tool

Step 1: Calm down

Stem panic by reminding yourself that your car will usually float for a minute or two before it begins to sink. Use this time to unfasten your seat belt, open the driver-side window or a sunroof, and unlock the doors.

Tip: As long as you keep your keys in the ignition, the electrical system likely will work until the car is submerged enough for the system to short out.

Step 2: Break the window

If you were unable to open your side window, break it with your elbow, heels, or—better still—anything pointy you have on hand, like a pen or screwdriver. Aim for the center of the window. Don't bother with the windshield; it's made to be unbreakable.

Tip: Hardware stores sell tools specifically designed to break car windows in an emergency.

Step 3: Undress

If the car is sinking slowly, take off your shoes. If you're wearing jeans and you have time, remove those as well. Both weigh you down, making swimming to the surface more difficult.

Step 4: Get out

Climb out the window before the car becomes submerged, and swim to the surface.

Tip: Memorize the acronym POGO: Pop seat belt, Open the window, and Get Out.

Step 5: Wait until car fills

If you were unable to get out through the window, don't panic! Let the car fill with water, knowing that once it does, the water pressure inside and out will be equalized, allowing you to open the door and escape.

Tip: Hang on to the door handle as the car fills with water so you don't float and become disoriented if the car flips.

Step 6: Open the door

When the water reaches your chin, take a deep breath and hold it. Then open the door and swim out headfirst. If you're not sure which way is up, look for bubbles and swim in the direction in which they're rising.

Thanks for watching How To Escape a Car Sinking in Deep Water! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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  • Oh shit my car is underwater...

    Ah, POGO! Pop seatbelt, open window....

    shit what was the last one

    gluglugluglug

  • POGO!?!? Ill remember POLO better!!

    Heres a beter one:GTFO!!

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All Comments (1,212)

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  • I would recommend keeping your seatbelt on when opening a window. The force of the water will push real hard.

  • im glad i have youtube on my phone this was perfect to survive but it could be shorter

  • step 1. open the door

  • option1 use the seatbelt metal plate to break window

    option2 watch the street instead of texting is better than go in the river and try to escape

    REMEBER: change your FB status to "wtf i'm drawning" is not necessary

  • @TheDivadoll18 Here Is A Better One LMFAO!!!!!!!

  • A) do all this security things B) fuck this shit! *brake the car window and jump out"

  • though this doesnt matter, cars have 2 doors. if you have a passenger coming out of the same window behind you, dont kick as you swim out. your friend will get clobbered behind you.

  • Just open the window, unlock the door, break the window if you can't open anything if the electricity is fucked, take off your clothes if possible, and swim to the surface.

  • @MrAvion21 Bye bye baby

  • ello ba by!

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