Doomsday scenario: escape plan from the sinking car

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Summer has just begun, again with avoidable fatal swimming accidents. Drowning is one of the most common unnatural causes of death and – although really rare – sometimes affects car drivers. The ADAC has now carried out a test to determine the chances of self-rescue and, on this basis, makes recommendations on how best to exit a sinking vehicle. An electric car and a conventional car were sunk for this purpose. A diver at the wheel tried various ways of leaving the sinking car.

A car does not float for long –

The first finding: a car floats, but not for long. The electric Citroën ë-C4 (test) sank in around three minutes, while the lighter Seat Exeo with a combustion engine remained on the surface for around a minute longer. Both sink steeply, with the front end first. Whether this is also the case with cars with an electric motor on the rear axle, such as a VW ID.4, has not been tested, but it is likely: the front overhang is generally not a cavity and therefore does not provide any lift.

Second finding: In principle, there is only one sensible way to exit the car with a higher chance of survival, and that is through the side window closest to the person. First, however, you must remember to unfasten the seat belt as soon as possible after the car has been submerged.

Side window escape route

Opening the window as quickly as possible is important for two reasons: Most cars are equipped with electric windows. They are only likely to work for a short time underwater. Whether crank or window regulator, one-sided water pressure on the window – therefore increases the crank resistance considerably as long as there is still air in the car – and can lead to jamming. Therefore, open as early as possible.

If the side window does not open, it should be smashed in. The ADAC therefore recommends carrying an emergency hammer within easy reach. These are usually available in combination with a belt cutter, including a holder for the vehicle interior. Alternatively, the club suggests trying to use the metal connectors of a pulled-out headrest or another pointed, heavy object. In our experience as editors of this channel, headrests in modern cars can rarely be pulled out without first tilting the backrest significantly. In addition, unlocking mechanisms almost always have to be overcome. If you have to understand the principle first, you've already lost.

The problem of double glazing

It is easiest to break windows in a corner. This general knowledge of car glaziers was fully confirmed by the ADAC in its test, but only for the test vehicles. However, more modern, more expensive cars are often double-glazed for reasons of comfort. Their windows are therefore virtually indestructible. The club recommends finding out about the material of the side windows beforehand. Whether they are designed with laminated or double glazing can be recognized by an “XI” printed or etched into the glass, or can be found on the rescue card for the car in question. This can be obtained directly from the car manufacturer, from the testing companies (TÜV, KÜS, GTÜ, Dekra) or from the car clubs.

If this is the case, the only way is through the rear window, which is usually simply glazed, even on expensive cars. You need to do this quickly, as you have to overcome the front and rear seat backrests. If all three rear head restraints are in place, these must also be pushed down. Loose objects in the car can float up and make the situation even more difficult.

Neither doors nor windshield

The windshield, on the other hand, is never an option; except in cars that are a few decades old, it is made of laminated glass and therefore indestructible for a person in the car. Although it would be possible to break the safety glass of a 50-year-old car, it would not be a good idea because you would then have to exit the car downwards against the incoming water. This poses problems even for rescue divers.

Opening doors can also only be attempted if the interior is full of water. Otherwise, the water pressure is too high. This was confirmed by the ADAC test. After equalizing the pressure, the diver did manage it, but probably only because he was supplied with breathing air from his device after one and a half minutes underwater. In such circumstances, the ADAC hardly believes that people without breathing apparatus, stressed and possibly injured, have a chance of survival.

(fpi)