RIDDLE TIME: “I am a device that every RV owner should carry, yet no one ever hopes to use.”
There’s a certain tool that everyone needs to carry in their vehicle. This simple tool (http://amzn.to/1xUqJ3Z) can literally be a life saving device. It’s small and inexpensive, and yes it makes a great stocking stuffer type of gift. If you or your loved ones are ever faced with the prospect of using this tool, you’ll probably consider it the best $5 you ever spent. Yet hopefully it will never see serious action. The best case scenario is that you place this tool inside your vehicle glove box, where it resides for years without incident. What tool are we discussing today? Of course, we’re talking about an…escape tool.
What the heck is an escape tool?
This tool has two functions and one goal. An escape tool slices seatbelts and shatters automotive window glass in order to allow vehicle occupants to safely escape in case of emergency.
The most likely emergency situation would be a sinking vehicle. From time to time, we hear reports of vehicles being accidentally driven into large and/or deep bodies of water. This is a terrifying situation that requires quick survival reflexes.
When a vehicle plunges into water, its occupants may only have a few precious moments to get out alive. Seatbelts can become stuck (especially those with electronic controls that fail to operate when wet). Similarly, electric windows may not lower once the vehicle is sinking.
Another emergency situation might be an accident in which the vehicle doors have been rendered useless, and the only means of escape is through a window.
An escape tool contains a sharp blade that’s designed to quickly slice seatbelts.
It also contains a specially designed hammer that quickly shatters automotive glass.
While slicing seatbelts may be a relatively straightforward task, for most of us shattering a window is not.
When you get your own escape tool, it makes sense to invest a couple of minutes watching a video of one being used in action.
Some junkyards may even allow you to practice shattering window glass on old vehicles.
Everyone needs an escape tool. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it.