10 lessons learned from a driver surviving a crumpled car accident

 

 

10 lessons learned from a driver surviving a crumpled car accident

'Bài học rút ra từ sau vụ tai nạn xe bị vò nát'

I travel hundreds of kilometers every week for work, and when I read the story of a driver who narrowly escaped death after a horrific accident, I was genuinely shaken.

The crash happened on Nov. 8 on National Highway 1 in the northern province of Ninh Binh, involving three vehicles. Although Nguyen Quy Duong's car was crushed almost beyond recognition, the 37-year-old managed to climb out alive. Many called it a "miracle," but to me, it also reflected survival skills—knowledge every driver should have.

Accidents are something no one wants to think about, yet they can happen at any moment: a second of distraction, a sudden turn, or an unexpected collision. In those moments, staying calm and responding correctly can make the difference between life and death. Based on what I've learned over years of driving, here are 10 survival principles I believe every driver and passenger should know:

1. Stay calm — don't panic

The most important response in any accident is calmness. Panic clouds judgment and makes it harder to assess danger. Take a deep breath and check: Is the car still moving? Is there smoke or a fuel smell? Are the doors jammed? The more clarity you have in those first seconds, the better your chance of survival.

2. Never skip your seat belt

Many drivers skip seat belts on short, familiar trips—precisely when accidents often occur. A collision at just 40–50 kph delivers impact forces similar to falling from the third floor. Seat belts prevent fatal head, neck, and chest injuries and keep you from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle.

3. Position your body safely before impact

If you sense an unavoidable collision—loss of control, a vehicle approaching—straighten your posture. Keep your back against the seat, grip the steering wheel firmly, brace your feet, and avoid lowering or twisting your head, which can increase the risk of neck or spine fractures when airbags deploy.

4. Turn off the engine after the crash

If the vehicle is still running, switch off the engine immediately to reduce the risk of fire from fuel leaks or electrical sparks. Remove the key and scan for danger—smoke, the smell of gasoline, or visible sparks.

5. Identify the quickest escape route

After a severe collision or if the vehicle overturns, doors may jam. Look for any possible exit: a door that still opens, an intact window you can break, or even the trunk. If needed, use an escape hammer or a sturdy object to strike the corner of a window—its weakest point.

6. Equip an escape hammer — and know how to use it

A small escape hammer can break glass or cut a seat belt within seconds. I keep one in each front door of my car. Crucially, everyone inside the car—not just the driver—should know where it is and how to use it.

7. If there is a fire risk, get out immediately

Do not try to retrieve personal belongings. Smoke, the smell of gasoline, or sparks require immediate evacuation. Move at least 20–30 meters away and warn others to keep their distance.

8. If the car is submerged, do NOT open the door

In water, pressure makes doors impossible to push open. Immediately lower the window to escape. If it won't open, use the escape hammer to break the corner of the glass. Once the water level inside rises high enough to equalize pressure, you can push the door open if needed.

9. Call for help and perform basic first aid

If someone is injured, do not pull or move them unless there's an immediate threat such as fire or suffocation—especially if you suspect spinal or bone injuries. Call emergency services (115). A small first aid kit with bandages, gloves, antiseptic, and tape can make a crucial difference.

10. Practice preparedness and build reflexes

We never know when an accident might happen, but we can train ourselves. I check my seat belt and escape hammer every time I enter my car and remind my passengers as well. I've taught my 12-year-old how to unbuckle himself, open the door, and call for help. Reflexes practiced in calm moments can save lives in chaotic ones.

Escaping an accident is not only about luck—it is the result of preparedness and the right actions taken at the right time. Survival skills behind the wheel are as essential as understanding traffic laws. Accidents may be unpredictable, but knowing how to respond can change everything.

*Readers' opinions are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress's viewpoints.