Japan authorities issue flood safety guidance for submerged vehicles

Following incidents of vehicle submersion during heavy rains, Japanese authorities and organizations are issuing urgent safety guidance for drivers. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) advises motorists to avoid entering flooded roads entirely and to seek alternative routes to prevent becoming stranded.

To prepare for emergencies where a vehicle becomes trapped, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Yamaguchi Prefectural Police recommend carrying an emergency escape hammer. Authorities note that in submerged vehicles, doors and windows may become impossible to open. When using a hammer, drivers should aim for side windows rather than the windshield, as film-coated windows may not break easily. It is recommended to choose models that include a seatbelt cutter, as belts may lock during an incident.

As a secondary measure, the Tokyo Disaster Prevention handbook suggests that if a hammer is unavailable, a vehicle's headrest can be used. By removing the headrest and inserting the metal rods into the gap between the door and the window, the lever principle can be applied to break the glass.