Vehicle submersion commonly occurs in an upright position. An upright vehicle can take 2 to 4 minutes to completely submerge below the surface.
The floating phase begins upon impact with water and lasts about one minute. During this time, water rises against the doors, applying inward pressure and preventing them from being opened. The side windows can still be lowered, providing the only opportunity for escape. Once water reaches the side windows and continues to rise, it presses against them, essentially locking them in place. The sinking phase has begun.
AWOS immediately recognizes that the vehicle is in water and lowers the windows at full velocity, within 3 to 5 seconds.