Life-Saving Lessons from a Harrowing Accident: What Every Driver Should Know

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.

On November 8, 2025, a catastrophic incident unfolded on National Highway 1 in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam, involving three vehicles. Nguyen Quy Duong’s car was crushed almost beyond recognition, yet the 37-year-old managed to climb out alive. Many called it a “miracle,” but to me, it highlighted essential survival skills—knowledge every driver should possess.

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

1. Stay Calm – Don’t Panic

The most crucial response during an accident is maintaining your composure. Panic clouds judgment and hinders your ability to assess the situation accurately. Take a deep breath and observe: Is the car still moving? Is there smoke, or do you detect a fuel smell? Are the doors jammed? Clarity in those first moments can drastically improve your chances of survival.

2. Never Skip Your Seat Belt

Many drivers forgo seat belts on short, familiar trips—exactly when accidents often occur. A collision at just 40–50 kph can generate impacts akin to falling from a third floor. Seat belts are designed to prevent fatal injuries, keeping you secure and reducing the risk of being thrown from the vehicle.

3. Position Your Body Safely Before Impact

If you sense an unavoidable collision—like a loss of control or a vehicle speeding toward you—immediately straighten your posture. Keep your back firmly against the seat, grip the steering wheel tightly, and brace your feet. Avoid lowering or twisting your head; this can increase the risk of neck or spine fractures if airbags deploy.

4. Turn Off the Engine After the Crash

If the vehicle is still running post-collision, switch off the engine without delay. This step is vital in reducing the risk of fire from fuel leaks or electrical sparks. Remove the key and scan for potential dangers such as smoke or visible sparks.

5. Identify the Quickest Escape Route

After a severe collision or if the vehicle rolls over, doors may jam. Look for possible exits: a door that opens, an intact window, or even the trunk. If necessary, employ an escape hammer or a sturdy object to strike the corner of a window—the weakest point.

6. Equip an Escape Hammer – And Know How to Use It

A small escape hammer can shatter glass or cut seat belts in seconds. I keep one in each front door of my car. It’s vital that everyone inside the vehicle—passengers included—knows its location and understands how to use it.

7. If There is a Fire Risk, Get Out Immediately

Don’t attempt to retrieve personal belongings in the presence of smoke, the smell of gasoline, or visible sparks. These circumstances demand immediate evacuation. Move at least 20–30 meters away and alert others to keep their distance.

8. If the Car is Submerged, Do NOT Open the Door

In water, the pressure makes doors nearly impossible to open. Instead, lower the window to escape. If it won’t budge, use the escape hammer to break the corner of the glass. Once the water level reaches a point where pressure equalizes, pushing the door open may become feasible.

9. Call for Help and Perform Basic First Aid

If someone is injured, avoid moving them unless there’s an imminent threat such as fire or suffocation—especially if spinal or bone injuries are suspected. Always call emergency services (115). A small first aid kit containing bandages, gloves, antiseptic, and tape can make a crucial difference.

10. Practice Preparedness and Build Reflexes

Accidents can strike at any time, but we can train ourselves to respond. I check my seat belt and escape hammer every time I enter my car and remind my passengers to do the same. I’ve taught my 12-year-old how to unbuckle himself, exit the car, and call for help. Practicing these reflexes in calm moments can save lives in chaotic situations.

Escaping an accident isn’t merely about luck; it’s the product of knowledge, preparedness, and the right actions taken at the right moment. Survival skills behind the wheel are just as critical as understanding traffic laws. While accidents are unpredictable, being equipped with the right responses can change everything.