If a vehicle ends up in water with the windows closed and intact (not broken), it will float for between 30 seconds and a few minutes. Vehicle occupants have only about one minute to exit before escape becomes impossible. As the vehicle sinks, water pressure is higher on the outside than the inside, therefore water pressure prevents doors from being opened. Once the water rises above the windows, the windows cannot be opened because the water presses the window against the door frame.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, follow these important steps:

1. Don’t panic
2. Take seatbelts off. Children or others who need help must be released from their seatbelts (starting from the oldest to the youngest, since the older children can help themselves while you attend to the younger ones).
3. Open or break windows. If they’re power windows, roll them down immediately because water will cause a short circuit in the electrical system. If the electric windows don’t work, break them by hitting or kicking the window on the edge nearest the front of the car.
4. Get out immediately, sending children out before you.