Core: Car in water — the complete escape sequence

In the Netherlands, nearly 800 cars a year end up in water, with about 30 drowning deaths a year. Usually the car keeps floating for a while — enough time for a fixed step plan (Book p.177). Step 1: lights on. Switch on the interior and exterior lights, leave the keys in the ignition. You orient yourself better and stay visible to rescuers. This step costs no time at all and is still the one most often forgotten. Step 2: seatbelt off, as fast as possible. If the buckle jams, use the blade of the safety hammer. Step 3: open or shatter the side window — never the windscreen, which is extra strong. If the side window fails, don't force the door: wait until the car has mostly sunk. Only then is the pressure inside and outside equal and the door opens by itself. Step 4: exit the car. Swim facing the car at first, only turn around once at a safe distance. Help other occupants; get small children to safety first, if necessary on the roof of the car. If the car is upside down, your own body weight jams the belt buckle. Place your feet against the dashboard to press yourself against the seat, push against the roof with one hand, and undo the belt with the other.