Submerged Vehicle Safety Question

[Balaga]

I live in Houston, Texas, and you probably know that we have been having historic rain recently. Several people in my area have died when they got caught in high water in their cars. Does anyone know the best way to get out of a submerged car when it has electric windows?

 

I just bought my first Fusion hybrid and recently discovered this forum. What a wealth of information here!

 

Thanks in advance,

-Nancy

[GrySql]

Welcome to the Forum!

We field a lot of questions about this car but have never had this brought up before, it's a good question.

However, I'm not sure we're qualified to answer it.

There are a few places on the internet that have guides for just such a occurrence but each incident is different and the survival procedure may vary in each event.

There are Egress tools available like a seat belt cutter, window punch/window hammer but you must be trained to use them and know what to expect.

 

Perhaps your best starting point for information on this subject would be your local Fire Department Station, the personnel there are trained in the latest techniques and equipment.

Edited May 30, 2015 by GrySql

[Texasota]

The only thing I know of is a device like this which has very good reviews:

 

http://www.amazon.com/resqme-Original-Keychain-Escape-Black/dp/B000IE0EZO

[Hybrider]

My first inclination about an answer to the question from the OP was to use one of those little hammers which are sold for the purpose of breaking windows.

 

However I saw a news report recently where they demonstrated how very hard it is to break a side window from the _outside_ of a car with a sledge hammer.

 

It makes me wonder how well that "resqme" spring-loaded window-piercing tool, which Texasota posted above, really works on breaking side windows.

[GrySql]

My initial reaction for this scenario is 'prevention'.

Don't drive your car into water in streets with unknown depths and/or a swift current.

Make sure conditions are safe before proceeding, there may be another way to your destination.

 

It's true, vehicle windows are hard to break, especially if you're holding your breath.

Those window breaking devices can work very well in ideal conditions but using one for the first time in extreme conditions can be difficult.

Practice and forethought is needed and every submerged vehicle incident is unique, swimming skills may also be an important factor in a self-extrication.

I say this from working in a major Fire Department for 30 years.

 

This is an interesting article to read.

SSUSA Submerged Vehicle(1).pdf

[Balaga]

Thank you everyone for the good information. I agree with GrySql that prevention is key. Most of the drowning scenarios here in Houston involved underpasses where the victim couldn't see the high water because of the shape of the underpass or darkness. Obviously this is an extremely rare occurrence, but it's good to be prepared. I have ordered window punch devices (suggested by Texasota) for myself, my daughter, and my neighbor.

 

Thanks for your help.

-Nancy

[tclemmer]

Our local news station (Dallas/Fort Worth) ran this piece about the different types of glass being used in side windows. It appears that laminated glass is being used more and more as an added safety feature. The video shows how hard it is to break a laminated glass window.

 

http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Type-of-Glass-in-Your-Cars-Windows-Could-Change-Escape-Plan-206353031.html