Floodwater, fire, a stuck pedal or a downed power line can turn deadly within seconds. Knowing the right first move — often counterintuitive — can save your life.
Flooded roads
- Don't drive through flooded areas — turn around and find another route
- Take extra care at night, when water is harder to see
- Water that looks shallow can hide dips or a washed-out road
- No other route? Go to higher ground and wait for the water to go down
Water that reaches the bottom of most cars — loss of control or stalling
Handbook p. 88 ↗Moving water that can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups
Handbook p. 88 ↗Know the rule
Most vehicles float for 30 to 60 seconds. If you go into deep water, get out immediately, through open windows before water reaches them. Once submerged, doors won't open until the car fills and pressure equalizes. The engine makes the front sink first, so the rear may hold an air pocket. Check on others and try to leave together.
Handbook p. 88 ↗Know the rule
If smoke rises from under the hood, pull off, turn off the ignition and get out immediately. Don't use water — it spreads the fire.
Handbook p. 88 ↗Know the rule
If the engine overheats (stop-and-go heat, steep hills, towing), turn off unneeded equipment like air conditioning, then turn on the heater to draw heat away. If the temperature still climbs suddenly or steam appears, pull over, stop and turn off the ignition.
Handbook p. 88 ↗Know the rule
If wipers fail in heavy rain or snow, slow down, turn on hazard lights, avoid sudden braking and pull off. If the hood flies up, look through the gap under it or out the side window, turn on hazards, slow down and steer off the road.
Handbook p. 89 ↗Know the rule
Stuck gas pedal: try hooking your toe under it to lift it. If that fails, brake and shift to neutral, then steer to the shoulder; if it's unpaved, use hazards and keep a straight path until you can pull over safely.
Handbook p. 89 ↗If you hit a utility pole, wire or power box
- Stay in the vehicle and call 911
- Get out only if the vehicle is on fire
- If you must get out, jump clear with both feet together and shuffle away
- Assume all wires and equipment are electrified
Carbon monoxide (CO)
A deadly, odorless, colorless gas made by engines. It can build up in a closed car or garage; the only cure is fresh air.
Handbook p. 89 ↗Know the rule
Early CO symptoms are sudden fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea. If you notice them, open the windows, turn off the ignition and get out. Have the exhaust inspected if you suspect a leak.
Handbook p. 89 ↗Prevent CO poisoning
- Don't idle in a garage — warm the car up in the driveway
- Avoid sitting in an idling vehicle
- Don't drive with all windows tightly closed
- Avoid idling when stuck in snow or mud
- Make sure the exhaust doesn't leak and isn't blocked
- Lower the windows now and then for fresh air
Know the rule
CO poisoning is most common in winter. In cold weather it can stay trapped in a garage even with the door fully open, seep into an attached house and knock a person unconscious within minutes.
Handbook p. 90 ↗Put it into practice
Your car slides into a pond and starts to float. Don't wait for help or try the doors — lower or open a window right away and climb out before the water reaches it.