Life jacket under car seat?
Posted by Narfinator29@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 42 comments
I'm thinking about buying an inexpensive life jacket to stow under my car seat at all times if it will fit. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YW09E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1
Is this a good idea? Or am I going too far with prepping? Do any of you also have a life jacket or flotation cushion in your car?
I live in a river town in the Midwest. I'm not that worried about crashing into the river lol. I'm thinking more about the fact that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Yes, I know about "turn around, don't drown" but flash floods can happen quickly. Also, I watched this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umfKcirkJeI
I already have several resqme tools in my car but I'm specifically thinking about what happens after exiting the vehicle.
Even if it won't fit in my car, I feel like having my own life jacket stored in my basement isn't a bad idea. Right? Could be useful if there's ever serious flooding or if I get invited to go boating sometime.
OkConfusion6381@reddit
Honestly, I get why some people might see this as overkill, but I don’t think it is at all. I live near Kerrville, where over 100 people tragically lost their lives during a sudden, unpredicted flash flood. Some were camping, others were at a summer camp, and many were simply trapped in their vehicles because every route to safety required crossing high water. Vehicles were easily swept away, and those who hesitated or couldn’t act quickly were also caught in the floodwaters.
The truth is, we can’t always control the situations we find ourselves in—but we can control how prepared we are. You may never need a life jacket in your car, but in an emergency, having it could be the difference between life and death. In my view, it’s never overkill to take steps that improve your chances of survival, especially when you live in a flood-prone area.
Brilliant-Use2441@reddit
This is actually a very good idea!
ke030303@reddit
100% get the life jacket
Prestigious_Dingo639@reddit
I actually found this while looking for one myself. I can’t swim, I can’t float and I am terrified if something happened I would be unable to protect myself. Get the life jacket because you’re asking about it. You clearly feel you need one in some capacity or you wouldn’t bring it up and (respectfully) the opinion of strangers on the internet is irrelevant when it comes to your personal safety. Just remember to check it annually to ensure it hasn’t outlived its lifespan and that it still works. Fingers crossed you never need to use it! ☺️
TheCarcissist@reddit
Pfd in car may be a bit overkill unless you're swift water rescue certified.
I would check your flood planes and see where your house sits. Waders may be of more use than a PFD. Personally I have to pull mine out once or twice a year to go in my neighborhood and clean storm drains. We have a ton of trees and they get backed up all the time.
Realistically if you get swept down in a flood the PFD will just help them find the corpse easier. Provided you were somehow able to pull it out, get it on in tight quarters while also trying to escape through the window....
Rude_Veterinarian639@reddit
It was in the news not that a long ago about a family crossing a road that was dry next to high, fast flowing river. While crossing the road (they were evacing) the water breached and swept the car away. They got out of the car. Dad and kiddo died, mom survived.
Even one adult with a life jacket plus a rope could have improved their chances. Not saying it would be a sure thing but the force of the water swept them away once they were out of the car. It was several months later after the flood waters receded before they found the bodies.
I've had a rope in my car for ages but I've been thinking of a life jacket since I saw that last year. It does seem overkill but I'm in a lakeside village that floods on a semi-regular basis.
abouttothunder@reddit
Similar thing happened a year or two ago near where I live. Flash flood took a family vehicle and a baby and toddler were swept away. The toddler was found 30 miles downriver. The infant was never found as far as I know. Absolutely tragic. They didn't drive onto a flooded road. It was a literal wall of water that hit them.
MaleficentRain3614@reddit
Peace of mind is a prep in itself if spending the $10 makes you feel safer on your way to work or while going the scenic route
dap00man@reddit
The problem with flash floods isn't the water depth and inability to swim. It's the fast sweeping speed and all the debris in the flow. We heard about a flash flood claiming the lives of two young people not far from our house and I still think that prevention is the best prep here.
When it comes to benefit versus storage space, I think you're losing out big time. There are many more inflatable bag type things that you would be able to use if you really needed it, but I just don't think the situation would present itself since you are already aware and no longer oblivious to how dangerous flash floods are.
lookapizza@reddit
Hehe I think those life jackets where you pull the thinger and it autoinflates are pretty neat so I got one for my little boy who can’t swim yet and stuck it under the seat. I feel like a lot could go wrong trying to wrangle slippery children out of their car seats in raging floodwaters. Totally not necessary but there are worse things you could spend your money on. Floodwater is deceptive and cars get submerged pretty often these days it seems.
Reddit_BroZar@reddit
If it fits under the seat and doesn't hurt your budget - sure. PFDs can be used for many things, including keeping stuff, saving others, etc. Having said that, be very careful using PFDs in a fast spreading or running floods. I've seen folks getting their bodies broken that way. Sometimes it's almost impossible to fight the stream when you are trying to hold onto something and wearing a PFD. Also sometimes PFDs catch brunches and other debris in the stream. Another sure way to go under and die.
boobsaficionado@reddit
I keep a life jacket in the back of my car from May thru October. 24/7. Because I do a lot of sailboat racing. You should also start sailboat training racing. You’ll learn a ton about safety in and on the water! Plus it is fun.
mrkruk@reddit
I think a flotation device for someone else might be useful. But not for you if your car gets in the water.
Upon unexpectedly entering water in your car, your immediate action and concern to survive must be to get a window broken out or open. The pressure from the water will pin your doors shut. Take deep breathes to stay calm and gently keep pushing on the door. This keeps air in you long enough to get the door open and swim to the surface and safety.
The faster you can get water in and equalize pressure to open the door, the faster you can get out to safety. If you grab anything that floats in the car, it will want to rise and keep you from exiting fast. A vest will pin you in the car to the underside of the roof…unless the car flips, which some do due to weight distribution.
Focus on truly effective window breakers and keep one handy. It is near impossible not to somewhat panic when your car is filling with water unexpectedly - do not overwhelm yourself with things to get. Just get out.
EricaDeVine@reddit
Southpark did an episode about people like you. Didn't help though. That kid was still killed by Spiderman.
ReactionAble7945@reddit
I think you are crazy.
AdmiralHts@reddit
I do not have experience in sinking car scenarios. I used to teach cold water survival classes and remember the last thing you want to have on inside a sinking ship is a flotation device. We would practice donning survival suits outside on deck or the bridge.
Traditional-Leader54@reddit
I think that’s a bit excessive but if you’re intent on a left vest for you car maybe think about the type they have on airplanes that inflate when you pull the cord. That way it’s small enough that you can put it on and still fit through the window. Then you can pull the cord to inflate it when you’re out of the vehicle.
kkinnison@reddit
overdoing it. Just have a way to break the glass from the inside and a way to cut your seatbelt if needed. Having a life vest in a sinking vehicle just robs you of mobility.
most everyone floats. it is when you are unconscious or dangerous waters that you need a life vest
r_frsradio_admin@reddit
If your vehicle is under water then a pfd would probably slow down or even prevent your egress. If you spend a lot of time around water with your vehicle nearby then sure it could help, like if you encountered someone who was in trouble on the water.
No_Design5860@reddit
Do you wear pants?
https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-turn-your-pants-into-a-flotation-device/
2lros@reddit
This method takes a long time and is for relatively static water
We do these for swim qual usmc its almost not worth the hassle
Additional_Insect_44@reddit
I remember that in the army.
Narfinator29@reddit (OP)
Usually, but sometimes I might be wearing shorts or a skirt or a dress instead.
Miklay83@reddit
If I had this concern, I would get an inflatable coastguard approved pfd like the Onyx M-16 that can fit in an easily accessible location like door cubby or center console. I don't want to be in a situation that would require the use of a pfd and have to reach under my seat or over to the glove box.
Narfinator29@reddit (OP)
Good point! I'm not sure that it will actually be that easy to grab it out from under the seat quickly. I'll look at that first before purchasing anything. Thank you!
2lros@reddit
And maybe a boat for the house
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MkcKfzYcfWk&pp=ygUWY29zdGNvIGJvYXQgaW5mbGF0YWJsZQ%3D%3D
If i lived in a flood zone i would get one
I know a guy in a 100 year flood area. Well last year was it by the time hr looked outside it was chest deep
smsff2@reddit
I think you are overdoing it.
Narfinator29@reddit (OP)
Appreciate your honesty. Thank you! :)
2lros@reddit
Buy it, its 9$
melympia@reddit
As you said, most drowning deaths happen inside vehicles. I doubt the life jacket will help you to get out of the car. So, life jacket or not, you'll probably drown inside your car if you get caught in a flash flood.
OnTheEdgeOfFreedom@reddit
$10 for a good solution to a potentially serious problem? I'd buy it. It may be a low probability event, but it could also save your life. I mean, I'm going to go buy one now.
Rough_Remote800@reddit
If my car ends up in water, I got much bigger problems lol. Fuck it, I’m going down with the ship!
EasternAdventures@reddit
So you’re saying you won’t put your hands up and surrender?
DreamInMonoVision@reddit
I think it’s a great idea to have those on hand. My only caveat is as the former maintenance tech for their Florida manufacturing operation :Do NOT use Mustang Survival PFD’s.
Divisible_by_0@reddit
Odd this is the second time (granted in 10 years) I've heard something bad about Mustang
DreamInMonoVision@reddit
Let’s just say there are very valid reasons other than financial as to why Safariland group sold Mustang to The Wing Group at such a low price point a few years ago. Quality is an afterthought to production goals. And they make devices for US military applications as well. Flight deck vests for the navy and air force. Rapid self deployed buoyancy bags for armor carriers. All garbage, made by a garbage company. Wing also has Patten Company under its banner and for 11 months while I was in facility they failed 11 recertifications for their life rafts that the US, Canadian, Australian, and Great Britain’s military uses in their aircraft. Good thing they have a city council member on their payroll that lets them skirt fire Marshall’s and osha inspections.
Additional_Insect_44@reddit
I almost always have one near me. I live near a lot of water ad due to reasons a poor swimmer. That's a smart prep and even good swimmrs can drown.
Ra_a_@reddit
That’s your choice
MrHmuriy@reddit
I'd rather put an inexpensive plate carrier there.
HazMatsMan@reddit
Do you know how to swim? And when I say this I mean "well enough to not drown". I'm not talking about being able to perform the butterfly, breast stroke, or elementary backstroke perfectly.
Do you know how to apply common sense and NOT drive into floodwaters or across flooded road surfaces?
If the answer to those questions is "Yes", you don't need to store a PFD under your car seat. If you can't swim, then enroll in adult swim lessons and learn how.
Yes, having your own life jacket available when you go boating is a good idea. If you don't you'll be given whatever old uncomfortable junk they have laying around. Instead of blowing money on some cheap piece of crap from Amazon, go out to a store that sells life jackets and try some on. Buy something you like, that is comfortable, and fits properly. For the ladies, they make lifejackets specific to you that you will find far more comfortable than universal ones.
I have worked as a lifeguard then firefighter/emt and rescue diver for more than 30 years combined in areas with lakes and rivers. The only times I have seen situations where "they might have survived if they had a lifejacket in their car" have been incidents where people drive their vehicles on frozen bodies of water during questionable ice conditions. The crash into the water and drown stuff just doesn't happen, or when it does it's with people who are so intoxicated they wouldn't have been able to put a PFD on if they had one.
EffinBob@reddit
Is it a good idea? Well, that's your call. Will you ever need it? I think your chances of winning a huge lottery jackpot are probably better.
Anonymo123@reddit
IMO it should depend on how likely it is you will need that particular item. If its high on your list for risk, get one. If not, focus on more important things and get it when you can. If that money is spent better on food, water, meds, or even paying down debt.. whatever your priority is.
My brain then thinks I would need one for the house, what if i am driving with someone without it..etc.
Grew up in the midwest in an area with more lakes and rivers I could count, and never thought to need a life jacket outside of its typical use.