Watch this video. All the way through. Even if you're on dialup - wait for it to load.
LISTEN to the audio.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/07/21/wi.car.fire.rescue.amateur

Listen to them scream...

"I need a knife, somebody give me a knife!"

.... as a 4 year old child is BURNING in the car. They did get him out after someone produced a knife. 30% burns on his body.

Yikes.

Glad they got him out of there

Another option, but may be not accessible if the car is burning where this is stored.

http://www.amazon.com/LifeHammer-Orange-...6970&sr=8-1

This is a good knife + seatbelt / rope cutter: http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Knives-T...030&sr=8-11

There was a similar incident here in SOCAL which I used to rationalize keeping an almost fully serrated Spyderco Rescue in my truck console along with a Benchmade Rescue Hook.

As for "ALWAYS. EVERYWHERE" -- Yes. Sitting here w/no shirt & no shoes, but I have a locking folder clipped in the pocket of my khaki shorts.

They spend a lot of time trying to smash out the windshield.

I have ZERO experience with that, but after seeing that video I suspect even the Life Hammer (which I carry in the compartment between my seats - plus a ResQme on my keychain) would not have helped much with the windshield. He was really struggling to clear it even with a large iron pipe.

Advice from those who've been there?

Their like that to "protect you"... no way of getting around it.

The hammer is for the wide windows that do shatter (well they used too, on new cars not anymore either).

Take old spark plug, smash with hammer, then flick a piece of the porcelain at a back window or side window (depending on the car) of a car you don't use, care about, etc... watch what happens

This only works on the glass that is not safety like the windshield.

The video is chilling.

I always carry my RSK Mk1 and, in my truck within arms reach, I keep a Smith & Wesson 911 First Response Tool (full serrated blade and glass breaker).