SAN ANGELO, Texas — Researchers say almost 400 people die in a submerged vehicle every year in the United States. With bodies of water such as Lake Nasworthy surrounding a large area of San Angelo, it’s important to know what and what not to do if the worst happens and you’re stuck in a sinking vehicle.
If you get stuck in a submerged vehicle, here is a four-letter acronym to keep in your mind - SURE.
1: Stay Calm
2: Undue your seat
3: Roll down your window
4: Exit the car
When trying to get the window open, if your car window doesn’t roll down, use a car safety glass breaker (found at local stores) to hit the car window enough to shatter it and get out. If you don’t have one at the time, use the head cushion of your driver seat to break the glass.
There are many myths saying drivers should try to kick out the windshield or open the door to get out. Assistant Fire Chief/Operations of San Angelo Fire Department Johnny Fisher said these are some things you shouldn’t consider doing if you’re trapped in a vehicle.
“Open the car door when submerged in water can allow water to enter the car quicker and you don’t want that. The windshield is not easy to kick in at all so it would take a lot of effort to get it to shatter, especially in water.” Fisher said.
He said people who are trapped need to get out quickly because in one to two minutes, the car is going to be submerged and the quicker you can get that window down and get out the better your chances are.
Myswimpro.com says more than four billion people can’t swim. It’s suggested if you aren’t able to swim and you’re stuck in this situation, do the best you can to reach the surface of the water and do all you know how to stay afloat.