I read a post about the RESQME tool. What other tools regarding a window punch and seatbelt cover do you EDC? Is the ResQMe 'top of the line'? I really like the compact design. I think it looks great. But would like to do my 'homework' before purchasing one.

I can punch out a window and cut a seatbelt with my Leatherman, and I ALWAYS have it with me...

The Resqume tool is nice, but I carry a simpler setup both EDC in the car and in my auto extrication tool kit.

The belt cutter I carry looks like this: [img]http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-45546376600832_1957_50192498[/img]

The window breaker I use is one of these:
http://www.allhandsfire.com/page/AHF/PROD/emttoolsknivesandcutters/EMI-1076

I've also used, on-scene, one of these:
http://www.allhandsfire.com/page/AHF/PROD/emttoolsknivesandcutters/EMI-9000

and I prefer the spring-loaded window breakers.

Punching the window and cutting the belt are the least of your problems. Maintaining your cool thought processes after the shock of that violent water entry is a major issue. Then you need to open and exit through the right door/window. In a situation where you're in a deep river, who's to say the car is upright? The car may roll on its side so you may need to follow the air and break the glass that's up. Maintain your up orientation, follow the air bubbles. Lots of stuff in the water.

All true.

Most vehicles go into the water thanks to driver input. Best way to stay out of the water is to practice good defensive driving. I know of a highway patrolman who put his patrol vehicle into water thanks to driving too fast for conditions, he shot out a window while upside down under water in order to get out.

Being on a bridge that drops like a rock 60 feet or so is an adventure I hope to never experience. I would imagine that, even in the unlikely event you were uninjured, you would be very very disoriented...

It is a good tool, combining a window punch and seatbelt cutter into a small handy package. But the real key is to practice with it a few times. Breaking a car window is a bit harder than it seems. Also, remember that you won't be able to break out the front, and probably not the rear, window. They are for side windows only.

Jeff

We have a LifeHammer and prybar in our car, as well as a S&W first-response knife, so I guess we're covered..

Keep in mind that with a violent water entry, things may not be where you expect them to be. I keep all my emergency gear in my truck console. I have a pry bar behind my seat but in a situation like this finding it may be a challenge. I really like the spring loaded punch Martin pointed us to. It doesn't require an arm swing in a restricted space.

The Res-Q-Me is what I carry.

http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=66

I can't stress enough - IMPACT TOOLS WON'T WORK ON FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS - and in some cars, they won't work on side windows. Follow the bubbles and try to open the door. You may need to wait for the water to rise before you can open the door. If you blow out a window while under waters, several tons of water are going to slam into you at once.
It's a low rate of survival situation, in all cases.