Final answer:
If your vehicle goes into water, remain calm, undo your seatbelt, open the window to escape, and swim to the surface for safety. Avoid diving in shallow water and attempt to rescue drowning individuals by getting them out of the water before administering CPR.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your vehicle plunges into water, it is critical to remain calm and take the following steps quickly:
- Undo your seatbelt.
- Open the window as soon as the car hits the water. If the windows do not open, wait for the pressure to equalize, then break a window to escape.
- Do not waste time trying to open the door as it will be very difficult until the pressure is equalized inside and outside the car.
- Once the window is open or broken, leave through the window immediately.
- Swim to the surface as quickly as possible.
- Call for help or head to the shore.
It's also essential to note that you should avoid diving in shallow water, heed signs that say "no diving," and not attempt to ford swollen rivers due to heavy rains. In the event of someone drowning, the priority is to remove them from the water before starting CPR. Remember, it can be a myth that a drowning person will shout and wave for help, as they might not be able to attract attention in a typical manner.