Public knowledge, attitudes and practices of vehicle submersion incidents: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction Vehicle submersions account for up to 10% of all drownings in high-income countries. Reports indicate that occupants may be conscious and functional, but possibly making incorrect decisions for self-rescue leading to drowning. This study investigated current public knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding vehicle submersion incidents and to determine if individuals, who are aware of educational efforts regarding vehicle submersions, indicated better responses. Method A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey was developed based on previous findings and guidelines from Operation ALIVE (Automobile submersion: Lessons In Vehicle Escape) for vehicle submersion incidents. Results The majority of respondents (87%) had knowledge of vehicle submersions from the media, but they were not aware (94%) of an effective self-rescue protocol. Respondents felt they had low risk of involvement in a vehicle submersion, and that the chance of survival was likely. Most respondents selected a “successful” initial action for escape; however, other responses indicate the chances of completing a successful self-rescue sequence was less likely. Only 45% of respondents were “aware” of Operation ALIVE educational initiatives, and this awareness did not generally produce better responses. Conclusions Public understanding of vehicle submersion incidents is low and current public education efforts have not increased awareness in the severity or the urgency for performing self-rescue in this scenario. Simply increasing public knowledge of “SWOC” (“SEATBELTS” off, “WINDOWS” open, “OUT” immediately, “CHILDREN” first) would help to decrease the high fatality rate associated with this type of road traffic accident.

Vehicle in Water Rescue: Will Laminated Glass Be the Death of Us?

“…While FMVSS 226 may reduce ejection injuries and fatalities, it does not address the issue of vehicle submersion and occupant drowning (McDonald et al, 2019). Drowning is a significant cause of vehicle-related fatalities, with some studies finding vehicle-related incidents accounting for a substantial portion of flood deaths (McDonald et al, 2019).…”

“…The use of laminated glass in side windows can make escape or rescue from a submerged vehicle significantly more difficult, as the glass cannot be easily broken (McDonald et al, 2019). This raises the question -why has ejection mitigation been prioritized over drowning prevention in vehicle safety standards?…”

“…While this shift is driven by new safety standards aimed at reducing ejection injuries in crashes, it may have unintended consequences for occupant rescue and escape in submerged vehicle incidents. As more vehicles adopt laminated glass, there are concerns that they could become "glass coffins" in water, making it harder for occupants to exit or be rescued (McDonald et al, 2019).…”

Reducing Vehicle Submersions and Consequent Fatalities on Highway I-75 in Florida (Alligator Alley): Effectiveness of a Cable Safety Barrier System

“…First, public education on the dangers of vehicle submersion, the promotion of safe driving practices, and the instructions for a proper self-rescue protocol would be valuable [6]. However, a recent study indicated that public understanding regarding vehicle submersion accidents is low, and it was proposed that the simple awareness of the SWOC self-rescue protocol [e.g., SEATBELTS off, WINDOWS open or broken, OUT immediately, CHILDREN first (oldest to youngest)] could help decrease the high fatality rate [15].…”

Thematic Learning Model for Islamic Religious Education in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

“…Education is one of the most important things in a person's life (Mack et al, 2021). Because education is what determines and organizes the future and direction of one's life (Liu et al, 2019;McDonald et al, 2019). Although not everyone thinks so, education remains the most important human need (Giger, 2018).…”