This report is a translation of the dutch document "auto's te water". This report from the Netherlands concerns investigations of cars that crash into water. The investigation was conducted in two sections, descriptive and experimental research. In the latter, investigation is made of the individual effect of a large number of variables on the behavior of vehicles which have crashed into water and of the possibilities of escape for the occupants. The results show that more cars crash into water in winter than summer; The deaths/accidents ratio is higher at night; Many occupants are already injured, unconscious or have been thrown from car before impact; Most vehicles return to an approximate horizontal floating position after the initial plunge; almost all vehicles than sink into a vertical position, according to where the engine is located; shattering the windshield; and once submerged it is 2-3 minutes; the best chance of escape is from window or shattering the windshield; and Once submerged it is difficult to open the doors. It is concluded that the installation of crash barriers will have optimum positive effect; Road layout, marking, signposting, and public lighting may increase safety; The vehicle should be designed for adequate protection in an impact; There should be no projecting parts in the cabin; Wearing of seatbelts usually diminishes the severity of the outcome; The vehicle should be watertight for floating capacity; and the doors should never be locked.
Samenvatting