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How to Survive a Florida Water Car Crash

While driving down the road the unthinkable happens – you are involved in a Florida auto accident and your car careens into a body of water. The water rushes up the sides of your car as you panic and try to escape. You push at the door, but it won’t budge because the water pressure outside the car had sealed it shut. Your electronic windows have shorted out and will not roll down. The water rushes into the car as the weight of the engine forces it to nosedive into the murky, dark, cold water.

The thought of crashing into a body of water ranks at the top of the worst driving nightmares. The scene is horrifying and is hard to shake from your mind. It is something you would never wish to experience; however, it is something every Florida driver should be prepared for.

Florida is not only surrounded by water, but is also home to numerous lakes, streams, ponds, waterways and inlets. One of the things that makes driving in Florida so beautiful can also make our roadways very dangerous. With over 1,000 Florida car accidents involving vehicle submersion each year, Florida drivers need to know how to survive a water crash.

  • Brace for impact – If you are aware you are going to crash into a body of water, you need to brace for impact. Make an “X” with your arms and let your hands grasp your shoulders. Bracing is important because, although your injuries may not be fatal, you may injure your arms and hands, decreasing your ability to escape.
  • Open the window as soon as possible – Electronic windows often fail when wet, so be sure to open your window as soon as possible. If your window will not roll down, break the glass with a spring loaded center punch or escape hammer. Kicking your window will not be enough force, so be prepared by having an escape device secured and within your reach. If you are able, try to escape from your car while you are still above water.
  • Unlock the door – The door can be an escape route, but only when the pressure between the inside and outside of the car is equalized, i.e. when the car is fully submerged. Although this is not the most preferable option, it is still an option.
  • Keep your seatbelt on – If your car is sinking very slowly and you are able to escape while you are still above water, do so. However, if your car is sinking quickly, keep your seatbelt buckled. Your seatbelt will keep you held into your seat while the water rushes into the car. If you are not wearing your seatbelt, you could lose your bearings, be forced beneath the dash or knocked unconscious.
  • Do not panic – Although this may be extremely difficult, it is the key to surviving a Florida car crash into a body of water. You must keep your breathing steady and try to stay calm while the water fills your car.
  • Escape through the window or door – Once the car is completely submerged, escape through the door or open window. If you choose to escape through the door, force the door open then unbuckle your seatbelt. Find your way to the surface and get your bearings.
    • If there is a child in the car, help them to breathe normally until the water is up to their chest, then have them take a big breath and hold their nose. Once the car is submerged, release your belt and then move to release theirs. Keep your bearings as you escape, and push them out the door or window first before following them out.
  • Swim to the surface as quickly as possible – If there were other passengers in the car who did not emerge, and if you are able, dive back down to help them.

A Florida auto accident into a body of water can be a very scary experience, but it can also be survivable if you are prepared. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Palm Beach auto accident, contact a Palm Beach car crash attorney at Fetterman and Associates today.
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Fetterman & Associates, PA
648 US Highway One
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Phone: 561-845-2510
Toll Free: 1-800-LAW IN FL (529-4635)

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Fetterman & Associates, PA
648 US Highway One
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Phone: 561-845-2510
Toll Free: 1-800-LAW IN FL (529-4635)

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