Immediately unlock doors, roll down windows or sunroof. A door opens when the water is above your knees, but as it descends this option is gone.
Release seatbelts before you submerge. Help children or elderly escape.
Break the side window before you submerge if you were unable to open it or the door. Try kicking at the glass. Use a hammer or pointed tool available in the car. A window punch tool works above and below water. Apply force to the corner of the glass not the center.
Try to exit through the trunk before submerged if windows and doors remain closed. Many cars are equipped with rear fold down seats to access the trunk. Know the location of the hanging trunk release pull. Release this and swim out.
Remember to remove heavy clothing and shoes if your vehicle is under water.
Take a long last breathe before the car's interior completely fills with water.
Push open a door if unlocked. The inside pressure is equal to the outside. If you are in a river, open the door opposite the river flow.
Break the side window at the corner if the doors won't open. Use a punch tool, then push glass out.
