Car Submersion Escape Guide: Hanoi Truck’s Survival Tips

A loud crash, rushing water, and engulfing darkness. That’s what Minh, a Hyundai HD120 truck driver, remembers about his terrifying accident two years ago. Fortunately, he survived by staying calm and applying car submersion escape techniques.

Traffic accidents are always a nightmare, especially those involving water. Whether it’s a Dongfeng truck carrying goods on the highway or a Ford Ranger pickup truck cruising Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the risk of plunging into a river or lake is ever-present. So how can you increase your chances of survival in this critical situation? Let Hanoi Truck equip you with the knowledge to save yourself and assist others!

Act Fast, Decide Quickly – The Key to Survival

According to Nguyen Van An, an instructor at Hanoi’s No.1 Safe Driving Training Center, “time is gold” when a car plunges into water. He emphasizes: “Within the first 30 to 60 seconds, the car doors can still be opened because the pressure inside and outside the vehicle hasn’t significantly changed. This is your golden opportunity to escape.”

Step 1: Stay Calm, Remove Obstacles

Panic is your biggest enemy in escaping. Take deep breaths, unbuckle your seatbelt, and instruct others in the car to do the same.

Step 2: Lower the Window or Break It

Lowering the window is the fastest way to escape. If you can’t, use a car emergency hammer or a hard object, aiming for a corner of the window to break it.

Car emergency hammer breaking a window

Step 3: Escape the Vehicle Immediately

After breaking the window, quickly exit the vehicle, prioritizing children and the elderly.