•Lower the windows. The car will not sink immediately so you have a minute or two before you go under. Most electric windows should work while the car is still floating.

•Unlock the doors.

•If you have a sunroof, open it and consider using it as an escape route.

•Have children stand up in their seats and hold on. Small children should be held toward the ceiling as the water rises.

•If you are in a car that’s sinking and you can’t open or break a window, try not to panic. At that point, you’ll have to wait until the car is pretty much underwater before trying the door. Usually, when the water reaches just about neck level it will be possible to open the door.

•Unhook the seat belts for yourself and any passengers. If you do it before the car fills with water, the rush of water may move you away from your door and window.

•While you’re waiting, you’ll find an air bubble at the top of the passenger compartment, near the roof.

•If you have time, kick off your shoes and remove any heavy clothing to help you swim to safety.

•Don't waste your energy trying to open the doors before then, because water pressure will keep them from budging. When the water pressure is equalized on the inside and outside of the car the doors should open fairly easy and passengers can get out of the car and swim to the surface.

•Keep a tool within reach to break the windows if necessary. Front windows (windshields) are made with safety glass, which will stick together when broken and which may thus be difficult to remove. Some more expensive cars also use safety glass for the sides. The easiest way to break a window is to strike it near a corner or edge.