Even though it's a bit late for this storm, many San Benito residents are brushing up on their flood survival skills, and many media outlets are doling out advice. Unfortunately, not all advice is good advice—even from respected sources!
We spotted a Cars.com article on what to do if your car is stuck in a flood with several great tips, and one old myth that could get you killed in a real emergency:
"Do not try to break windows to get out."
If your vehicle is sinking, water pressure will prevent you from opening the doors or windows. Ideally, you should open the windows in the seconds before the car sinks. Windows will open normally until they are below water-level, and allow for escape.
However, if you don't manage to open them before it's too late, do break them if you are able.
Outdated advice says that the broken glass can cut you, so it's better to wait patiently while the vehicle fills with water. Once the water pressure inside and outside the car is equalized, the doors will open again. All of this is true, but it has been frequently demonstrated that most people would drown before the pressure equalizes.
If your car is sinking beneath floodwaters, risking a few cuts is the lesser of two evils compared to drowning. Do not wait. Exit the vehicle as soon as possible, by whatever means necessary.
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