What to Do If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Road and Into Water

Experts share tips for safely escaping a submerged vehicle

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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While incidents involving vehicles going underwater are relatively rare, experts say they are among the most dangerous types of crashes. In light of a recent deadly crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, authorities are reminding drivers of the steps to take if their vehicle becomes submerged, including staying calm, unbuckling the seatbelt, rolling down or breaking the window, and exiting the vehicle quickly.

Why it matters

Vehicle submersion incidents are uncommon but extremely perilous, requiring quick thinking and decisive action to increase the chances of survival. This guidance is especially relevant following a tragic crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, where a tractor-trailer went over the side, highlighting the importance of driver preparedness for such emergencies.

The details

Experts recommend remembering the acronym 'SURE' - Stay calm, Unbuckle your seatbelt, Roll down or break the window, and Exit the vehicle. Drivers should also keep a vehicle escape tool, which typically includes a window breaker and seatbelt cutter, in their car to aid in an emergency. Authorities advise against trying to open the door if the vehicle is submerged, as exiting through the window or breaking it is the quickest way to safety.

  • The crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel occurred just after 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Ryan Adcock

A public relations specialist with AAA who provided safety tips for drivers in the event of a vehicle going into the water.

Ronnie Andrews

The 61-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer that went over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, resulting in his death.

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What they’re saying

“Stay calm in any situation, adrenaline could potentially take over, but it's important that you take a few deep breaths so that you can properly assess your situation, so that you can get out safely.”

— Ryan Adcock, Public Relations Specialist, AAA (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel crash remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This guidance serves as a crucial reminder for all drivers to be prepared for the rare but extremely dangerous scenario of a vehicle ending up submerged in water, underscoring the importance of staying calm and taking the right steps to increase one's chances of survival.