Exactly what to do if your car gets trapped in flood water

In the 2019 UK floods, there were 1,000 reported incidents of vehicles being submerged in water, with 200 of those incidents resulting in fatalities.

The Hidden Dangers of Water Submersion in Vehicles

Understanding the Risks

Water submersion in vehicles is a serious and often overlooked hazard.

If you’re still unsure, wait for a while and observe the water. If you’re still unsure, turn around and find another way to your destination.

The Importance of Being Aware of Your Surroundings

When driving, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose focus on the road.

Preparing for the Flood

Before you even get to the water, you need to prepare your vehicle for the flood. This includes:

Securing loose items in the trunk or on the back seat

Removing any valuables from the vehicle

Filling up the gas tank

Storing a spare tire and tools in the trunk

Keeping a flashlight and first aid kit in the vehicle

These steps are crucial in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers during the flood.

Choosing the Right Route

When driving through flooded areas, it’s essential to choose the right route. Consider the following factors:

Depth of the water: Avoid areas with deep water, as it can be difficult to gauge the depth and increase the risk of getting stuck.

(The Art of War, Sun Tzu) – Sun Tzu’s book is a foundational text of military strategy, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, using deception and misdirection, and prioritizing the safety of one’s forces. In this context, breaking the glass is a metaphorical expression that represents a drastic and sudden action, akin to a breaking point or a crisis. To break the glass, one must first understand the context and the nature of the situation. This requires a deep understanding of the environment, the adversaries, and the resources available. Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of knowing the terrain, the enemy’s dispositions, and the weather. This knowledge allows one to prepare for contingencies and make informed decisions that take into account the complexities of the situation.

The Physics of Sinking

The sinking of a car in water is a complex process that involves several factors, including the density of the vehicle, the surrounding water, and the forces acting upon it. To understand this process, we need to delve into the physics of sinking.

Buoyancy and Density

When a car is placed in water, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the water displaced by the vehicle. However, the car’s density is typically greater than that of the surrounding water, which means it will eventually sink. Factors that affect the car’s density include: + The weight of the engine and other heavy components + The size and shape of the vehicle + The material used in its construction

Forces Acting Upon the Car

As the car begins to sink, several forces come into play.