But that's not what you outlined in the scenario: "You are driving your car alone" <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

However, to answer anyway: I have a ResQMe tool secured via a short lanyard to the gear shift lever in both our vehicles. It is mounted in such a way as to be accessible to either hand, right side up or upside down. So, that's one possible solution.

Another would be to use the Spyderco clipped in my left front pocket, or the Microtech or Emerson blade in my right rear, or, last, but not least, the blade on the Vic SAK in my R front pocket.

Before you protest (or change the scenario again... <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />), let me state that I do practice getting those knives out & deployed from time to time--throughout the year, to adjust to different clothing worn, too.

Also, if it's cold enough for a jacket, I also keep a blade in my winter coats. They're accessible to either hand, even when buckled in. I even have a Gerber 200 LST as a zipper pull on one of them.

Hmmmm...I've been wondering what that clanking noise was when I walk...

David <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I´ve seen one belt buckle that failed to open after an accident. We needed hydraulic gear to pry the door open (or better rip it out of it hinges). The lady was very heavy and started to get overly excited while being restrained. To save nerves we cut the belt strands at the side of the door.
The belt cutter work great to cut open cloth to examine the extend of an injury so having it can´t hurt.
Cell phone and whistle are always on me (except when I´m in bed or in the shower). So I agree with you on those.

I think what he means is "What if you're in a car that is not yours?", e.g., you've borrowed someone else's car or you're in a rental car.

Given that scenario (I've been in an auto accident, and I'm injured)...
Unless there's an urgent need to get out of the vehicle (i.e., it's sinking in a pond or is on fire), assuming I can move at all, the first tool I'd reach for is my mobile phone or ham radio to call for help. Then I'd just sit there until someone came. The "don't move an injured person unless absolutely neccesary" rule still applies even when the injury is to you.

Dave F>

Point taken, keep a seat belt cutter accessible in the car.

What I was wondering, was if you relocated your blades else where everytime you where in a car or if you kept it in your pocket. Because when it is in your pocket it is not easy to reach.

Stefan

I had a client once who driving a Ford Probe with motorized blets when she was washed off an unmarked low water crossing. The Probe had an emergency release at the upper attachment point, but over time, sun/heat had welded the thing shut. When we recovered the car, it was impossible to get it to release. She manged to pull enough slack into the belt to wiggle out from under it and get out of the car. Manual window drives, thankfully.

She had a truly wonderful story to tell -- she washed 3 MILES downstream from where she went in. She had to duck under water several times to keep from getting brained by bridges that were a matter of inches above the level of the water. She finally washed up against a partially submerged chain link fence, which several bystanders pulled over to get her free.

Relocation of blades is not always feasible. When I´m still capable to use it I can access it in the front pocket of my shirt. It doesn´t matter whether the arm on the same side or on the off side remains useable.
When I buy a shirt I insist on two front pockets with flaps.