What Would You Do...Series:

Submerged in Your Car

Niki Hampton
I am one of those people that are constantly running scenarios through my head in the crazy thought that I can be prepared for anything. Now, I don't know if I will remember anything if a situation ever arises, but I hope I do.

I have created the "What Would You Do... Series" to offer ways to be prepared for the scariest situations, over the next few articles I will take you underwater in your car, in your burning house at night and a few other life-threatening situations that none of us want to face.

The first situation we are going to embark on together is what to do when your car ends up under water and how to get yourself, and others, out safely. While, it is almost impossible to think clearly in this situation, it is crucial. You need to remember to breathe slowly and conserve air.

Now, the worst case scenario is that the windows are up and you have nothing to break the windows with. It may sound crazy but the way to get out of this is to wait until the car is completely underwater and then open the door.

The science behind this is that the water pressure on the door is too much for the door to be opened as the car is sinking. As soon as the car is completely submerged the pressure shifts and you are able to open the door with a lot of force. You will want to brace your feet against the opposing door and push as hard as you can to open the door.

Knowing that this is a difficult feat for even the most clear-headed and physically strong adult, we need to prepare ourselves for the reality of it being just a mother and her children, teenager, or the rest of us who can't push 200 pounds of pressure.

So, to prepare ourselves before the situation arises, we are going to explore the various gadgets made for just this disaster.

1. BodyGard 5-in-1 Car Emergency Tool: This tool (pictured) contains a glass breaker, safety belt cutter, sonic alarm, flashing red distress light and LED flashlight. Cost: $15

2. Princess International Car Escape Tool: This one is like the first one, only the flashlight has 80,000 mcd luminosity and a magnet to stick it to the top of your car. This is great if you get stranded and end up being on top of your car. Cost: $25

3. ResQMe Escape Tool: This tool has a spring-loaded steel point that will break tempered glass and the stainless steel seatbelt cutter. While, it doesn't have the other features, this one fits on you keychain and you get two of them. Cost: $25

Well, I hope that this helps you to feel a little safer on the icy roads of winter or the roads that are unfamiliar to us. Use the websites listed below to check out these great tools. And, always remember...the best safety tool you can have is safe and responsible driving practices.

Published by Niki Hampton

Niki is the founder and owner of Writers 4 You, a firm specializing providing writing services. She is currently developing a product line to help writers and Internet Marketers take their business to the ne...  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.