Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Jan 2011
Exit strategies and safety concerns for machinery occupants following ice failure and submersion.
Of all drownings, 5 to 11% occur in submerged vehicles. Winter road workers are at high risk for vehicle submersion because they drive heavy vehicles over ice. ⋯ Results suggest that a heavy vehicle will sink before surface exit is possible. Occupants would, therefore, be forced to breath-hold and make an underwater exit through a window, door, or roof hatch. Front-mounted external flotation devices on a light truck increased floating time and the possibility of exit while still on the surface.