There are few things more terrifying than the idea of being trapped in your car as it plunges into deep water or is swept away by a flood.
Although it might seem an unlikely scenario, research shows hundreds of people around the world drown in vehicles every year.
With the backdrop of devastating floods in Australia last year, almost a third of all drowning deaths in Queensland were flood related, according to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022.
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Experts say that, in the event of a vehicle becoming caught in water, there is a window of about 30-60 seconds in which for its occupants to try to escape.
But it’s all about knowing what to do and being prepared if the worst ever happens.
The most important thing is to get a window or door open, but electric windows are unlikely to work if you’re in water, and opening a door under water could also be impossible.
That’s where the Acebon Emergency Escape Tool comes in.
The gadget is essentially a small hammer, specifically designed to break tempered window glass, even under water.
The size of a pen, it has a built-in high-pressure spring and, if an emergency occurs, the window can be broken within a second using a single push.
It also has a seatbelt cutter, in the event of a seatbelt becoming jammed and stuck shut.
“Hope I never need it but I trust it with my life,” said one reviewer after practising on the test piece of glass that it’s sent with.
“I love this little safety tool. I hope to never have to use it but I feel better just having it in my centre console. Everyone should have one just in case!” said another.
The $18.99 gadget, which can be purchased on Amazon, also comes with a clip to attach to the inside of your car so it’s always within easy reach.
Canadian researcher Gordon Giesbrecht has spent years sinking cars with people in them to determine the best way for drivers and passengers to escape.
His top line is that you are responsible for saving yourself in the event of this emergency.
There simply isn’t enough time to wait for assistance.
After 100 tests, his simple but crucial protocol for escaping before it’s too late goes like this: seatbelt, window, children, out.
Unbuckle your seatbelt, get a window down or broken. The rear passenger windows are best because the heavy front of a car will tilt into the water first so the back seat stays dryer longer.
Next, unbuckle any children, starting with the oldest first, so they can escape while you’re unbuckling any infants.
Then get out through the open window.
Giesbrecht himself recommends carrying a simple window-breaking device in your vehicle at all times.
They are a great gift for any vehicle owners too.
“I highly recommend buying these for everyone in your life,” said one safety-conscious customer.
For more information or to buy the car safety tool, head here.
Transport for NSW advises that motorists should never enter into floodwaters and, during floods, should avoid unnecessary travel.
Drivers in high-risk flood areas should be aware of evacuation routes and be prepared before extreme weather events.
During floods, follow the advice of authorities and adjust your route accordingly to avoid driving into danger.