I know this is the question on every EV driver’s mind since the Angela Chao’s death in February 2024. Well, Ryan Felton accepted the challenge to answer the question in his March 13 Wall Street Journal article entitled “What to Do if Your Car Is Submerged in Water“. Catchy title!
For the moment, I’ll skim over the Tesla gearshift design ‘feature’ in her car which might have contributed to Angela’s car heading in the wrong direction in the first place. Regardless, Angela found herself in the pond, in her Tesla, and should you find yourself in a similar situation, here are things to think about…
How much time do I have to act?
About one minute to get out of the car before it fills with water. Enough time to execute your escape ‘plan’, if you have one. Hopefully you will (have a plan) by the time you’re finished reading this post!
What should I do?
Stay calm, unbuckle your seat belt and lower your window down. Exiting through the open window is preferred above anything else. If there are children in the car, get them out first.
What if I can’t open the window?
In this case, a window-breaking tool could be useful for drivers to have—as long as the windows are made of tempered glass. Knowing what kind of glass you have and how to break it is critical. These tools can also be used on the sunroof if one is available.
Note: ‘Laminated glass’, like that found on many Teslas, is nearly impossible to break underwater.
What about opening the door?
It is risky. If you can manage to open the door, water could then rush inside the vehicle, causing it to sink more quickly and leaving others inside more at risk. Still, the best way out the door is through the vehicle’s windows…
Does it make a difference if it is an EV or gas-powered car?
No, the occupant response should be the same for both types of vehicles. ICE and electric cars will sink in whatever direction the car is the heaviest. “The bottom line is it’s going to sink, water is going to come in through the vents, and until the water gets up to the windows, you can open the windows and get out,” Giesbrecht said.
What are the industry and regulators doing?
Not much. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Know your car’s controls to avoid making mistakes that might result in you and your car ending up in such a situation. And if you do find yourself under water in your car, have a plan and respond quickly!
So what’s my plan!
My glass break tool will be handy, and knowing that my front side windows are laminated, I’ll break a rear side window which isn’t, and escape that way. All that after failing to immediately roll down the side windows…
As a white water kayaker (in my younger years), I would practive the ‘eskimo roll’ over and over again – literally. But guess what, when I actually needed to roll after getting knocked over in a rapid, did all this preparation and practice pay off? Nope! I would forget everything I learned and exit the kayak. I expect the same result when my car submerges. Panic!
Don’t be me. You can do better. Be safe!