I have a tool that I bought for everyone in my household that has a car. You can hit the window with the hammer type part and then use the knife part to cut the seat belt off. It`s a pretty cool thing to have in Florida. We are surrounded by water.

You also see those hammers in all buses and trains in my home country. They are really useful to have in your car.

That would be a handy tool, it would be the worst luck to have your vehicle submerged in a body of water.

I bought that same tool for my husband, my boys and all my nephews. The only thing about it is they have to have it close at hand. When I was in my sons car I saw it on the floor of his back seat. It probably won't help him there.

You are definitely right about having to keep it close on hand. In case your car would go into the water then you would be too panicked to look for it so it needs to be in a easy place.

I am trying to think of a good place to have them keep this tool. Even in the glove box, you might be in too much of a panic to think about it. Too bad it doesn't somehow stick on the dash or near the steering column.

My knife that I carry with me everyday is this guy:
http://www.elinemerchandising.com/CT0101EMSB.html

It's good for everyday use (so I always know where it is), and especially helpful if I have to cut my seatbelt off, or break any auto glass. Next year, I might give a few of these to family members, too late for Christmas now!

I've got this tool as well...I keep it in a little storage place that is part of the driver's side door. I've got good access to it if I ever need it...

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

As stated above, make sure that it's accessible! Although water isn't as plentiful around here to drown in, it's still a good idea to keep a screwdriver, or something handy nearby- just in case!

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I'm a freelance Linux Consultant: http://linuxconsultant.info

I have this life hammer in my glove compartment. It not only can break out a window, but it can cut through a seat belt, too.



You can get this on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/LifeHammer-Orange-Original-Emergency-Hammer/dp/B000BN3A4Y/