Driving Into Bodies of Water
Nobody expects to be swimming in a pool and having a car come crashing in the water with you, but this is what recently happened in a southwest Houston community. A suspected drunk driver went into a community pool one evening, causing chaos to the kids in the pool as well as their families.
The SUV became submerged underwater at the Woodland Estates mobile home community.
Families were inside the water at the time for the first time this summer. The pool had just opened for the summer and now it’s closed — likely for the rest of the summer. While nobody was seriously injured, one person was taken into police custody.
Vehicle submersion is not common but it does happen. Of all drownings, as many as 11% occur in submerged vehicles. Driving into a body of water can be a scary situation but escape is possible as long as you don’t panic.
The time from water impact until water rises to the bottom of the side windows is the period when escape is easiest. This only gives you a minute or two to get out of the vehicle. This means you should focus on getting yourself and passengers out of the vehicle rather than calling 911 for help.
This means releasing children from their restraints and using a center or rescue hammer to break windows. Opening a door to escape will be close to impossible due to the water pressure keeping the door from opening.
How Can These Accidents Be Prevented?
Vehicle submersion typically happens during floods, heavy rains, or after a crash near bodies of water. Here are some tips to prevent it:
- Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing water. Just 12 inches can carry away a small car, and even less can cause engine failure or loss of control.
- Stay on well-marked routes. Use highways and main roads, especially in unfamiliar or rural areas. Avoid shortcuts through flood-prone zones.
- Inspect bridges and ditches. Be cautious around damaged guardrails or collapsed roads, as these are signs the area may lead to sudden submersion if a vehicle veers off.
- Slow down near water. Reduce speed when approaching lakes, canals, or waterfront areas to improve control and visibility.
- Maintain your vehicle. Ensure brakes, tires, and power steering are in good condition for better handling during emergency maneuvers.
- Know your terrain. Use GPS or maps to understand if you’re driving near rivers, reservoirs, or retention ponds, especially at night when visibility is reduced.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Cars are supposed to stay on the road, but slippery roads, curves, drunk driving, and distracted driving can all cause vehicles to exit the roadway and become submerged in a pool, lake, river, or other body of water.
In a crash? A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assess your case and help you understand your rights to compensation. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247 to schedule a consultation with our office.
Source:
kidsandcars.org/document_center/download/vehicle-submersion/studies/Vehicle-Submersion-A-Review-of-the-Problem-Associated-Risks-and-Survival-Information-1.pdf
