So just why aren't there floatation devices in CARS? Does your child's car seat float? We've had three accidents in the past MONTH where pickup trucks (all three times) have gone over one of our local bridge railings and plunged into the Lake. In the case of the last accident, the man survived - but he had been trained in surviving such a crash.

In the first accident - a father and his 5 y/o son died. I've been having nightmares about this ever since!

I am confident that if I survived a crash like that I could get out . . . but what if the boys are with me? I think I could calm them . . . could I? I think I could get Owen (6) to dog-paddle for a short time - could he get to the surface alone? Could I get Hayden (3) to the surface?

Once at the surface could I somehow keep them all afloat?

So why AREN'T there flotation devices of some sort in a car? Under the seat like in planes?

This neat article ran in our paper today. I found it intriguing that the car seat might float, and upon checking, Owen's booster would totally float -- only he'd have to hold on - maybe I could tie it to him.

More questions - why not build child car seats and boosters to do just that? FLOAT face up? Then all you'd have to do is unbuckle them and shove them out the door/window and hopefully they'd come to the surface?

OK - here's the article. I hope not to spook anyone as much as prepare you!

Experts say planning can be a lifesaverSurvive plunge with tools, simple rules Saturday, April 08, 2006 By Bruce HamiltonSt. Tammany bureau The prospect of crashing into deep water inside a vehicle undoubtedly elicits fear and panic among most motorists. But such incidents are survivable, especially when you're prepared with a plan and some safety tools.

Vehicles sink quickly, so it's critical to try to get out immediately when one enters water deep enough to submerge it, safety experts say. Most vehicles will float for only 30 to 60 seconds, according to the Louisiana State Police.

But according to Karen Norris of the National Safety Council, vehicles are somewhat buoyant, and if you have time and a dry cell phone, consider making an emergency call.

"If the water is not leaking in and they feel they have time to make a call, that would be good to do," said Norris, director of the council's safety and health policy center.

Circumstances often prevent a quick escape because of vehicle damage, water pressure, injury and disorientation. Breaking a window may be the only way out. Norris recommends a hammer-like tool with a pointed nose that's available at auto-supply stores.

"It cracks the safety glass with very little pressure," she said. A spring-loaded window punch can also break glass; protect your hands from cuts if possible. The device should be placed in an easily reached spot inside your vehicle, such as the glove compartment.

Wearing a seat belt increases your chance of survival, but a belt can jam or its lock can fail. Jack Varnado, owner of the Louisiana Driving School in Slidell, recommends a seat belt safety knife or cutter -- they can also be purchased at medical supply houses for about $5.

Some versions of the so-called "life hammer" have a built-in safety knife. If you buy a separate knife -- typically a lightweight blade encased in plastic, like a letter opener -- you can affix it to the interior within reach of the driver by using Velcro or a similar product.

Once your vehicle is submerged, you may have to wait until the interior is filled with water and pressure is equalized inside. Until then, opening a door can be impossible.

"Know that there is air available," Varnado said, and occupants can remain in an air pocket to breathe. Engine weight causes most vehicles to sink nose-down, Norris noted, so it may help to maneuver toward the rear.

Consultant Gerald Dworkin of Lifesaving Resources Inc. advocates the following, dubbed the "SOS-GO" system: Stay calm, assess the situation, slow your breathing. Open your windows or doors. Remove the seat belt and get out.

Once pressure is stabilized, you may be able to open a door or window. Electrical systems sometimes continue to function for several minutes in water, but be prepared for power locks and windows to fail.

To assist other passengers, hold hands and use the same escape route. Studies have shown child-safety seats are buoyant enough to float, according to Dworkin; cut them from their seat belts and remove them with the child inside.

Rehearsing a mock scenario, and planning for difficult circumstances such as cold water, also is suggested. For example, it's wise to memorize the location of tools such as the hammer so you can find them in the dark, upside-down.

Although the above safety tips apply generally to scenarios involving a plunge from the Causeway into Lake Pontchartrain, each accident is different -- use your best judgment. "You have to assess the situation and pick the best course of action," Norris said.

To review Dworkin's recommendations or see a Florida Highway Patrol video on escaping submerged vehicles, click the links on the Louisiana State Police's Web page at http://www.lsp.org/submerged.html.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 600 people die yearly in immersed vehicles. According to the agency, 2,000 nonfatal crashes occurred in 2004 in which vehicles were immersed, and 282 fatal immersions occurred.

According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development data, 456 vehicles were submerged in 2004 crashes. Of those, 67 resulted in injury and only nine resulted in death. "It's a horrible situation," Varnado said, but surviving it isn't impossible. "It can be done."

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree