Goulburn teenager Charlotte Stephenson escapes from sinking Toyota Hilux

She crashed her Toyota Hilux into the barriers on Range Road just before Rossi Bridge on Wednesday, April 6, causing the vehicle to submerge in the Wollondilly River.

The 17-year-old, who was wearing cowboy boots and jeans at the time, explained how she got out of her car while it was sinking.

"My car has mud tires, so when they get wet, they can slip out on the road," Charlotte said.

"I was only going at about 50km/hr around the bend leading to the bridge.

"I tried to avoid the left side guard and overcorrected.

"The car launched off the bridge and nosedived into the water.

READ ALSO:

"I sat in the car for a minute to decide what I needed to grab and ended up taking my phone, wallet and hat.

"I was lucky because both passenger side windows were smashed, so I was able to climb onto the roof to call my mum.

"The car then started sinking because water was filling up, so I put my phone in my mouth and had to swim to a pillar to catch my breath.

"I then launched because I didn't know how deep the water and realised I could touch the ground, so I walked up to the left side of the road and called the police."

Charlotte had advice for anyone who had to drive over the bridge.

"Make sure you go really slowly before you get to the bridge, especially when it's wet," she said.

A tow truck recovered the car the following day.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.