After Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge tragically collapsed on March 2024, car safety has rightfully become top of mind for many travelers. A cargo ship struck the bridge, sending several cars into the water; they were later found using sonar 50 feet below the surface by the Baltimore Fire Department. Situations like this, though relatively rare, are a sobering reminder to always have an emergency action plan in case an accident should ever happen.

As a travel writer, my job requires that I’m on the road a lot, both in my own car and other vehicles. So while I hope I’ll never need to use it, to give me better peace of mind, I’ve been carrying the Resqme Emergency Car Escape Tool any time that I’m driving in my own vehicle or traveling in someone else’s. Designed as a keychain, this personal safety device can be a literal lifesaver if you’re ever involved in an auto accident because it can both cut your seatbelt and break a window if you’re trapped. And, it’s only a budget-friendly $9 at Amazon. 

Resqme Car Escape Tool

The Resqme Emergency Car Escape Tool was initially produced to aid emergency workers like police officers, EMTs, and firefighters (one police officer actually said: “I legit saved the lives of two people on separate occasions with this thing).” In fact, a representative from the brand shared that people are regularly sending in testimonials via emails, social media DMs, and noted that the product saves an average of one life every two weeks.

But on a lighter note, I first became aware of this two-in-one lifesaving device when it was featured on a morning news segment. After watching the real-time demonstration, I was convinced that I needed it, and before they cut to commercial break, I had already ordered the affordable device from Amazon. 

Resqme Car Escape Tool

When it arrived a few days later, I immediately noticed its small size, which is about 3 inches in length. But let me tell you, what it lacks in size, it makes up for with its impressively useful design that will help you if you are ever in an accident or need to try to help someone else who has been in an accident. On one side of Resqme’s emergency tool is a small spring-loaded, stainless-steel spike-hammer that’s used to break car window glass; so if you’re ever trapped by a jammed door or another object that makes a window exit your only option, this device will be your best defense. 

To break the window, the brand advises users to push the black head, or black cylindrical part, firmly into the bottom corner (not the center) of your side window until a spike releases and breaks the glass. I must say, it’s hard to fathom how the small spike can do all of this, and when I first bought the product, I was skeptical that it could puncture glass the way it was intended.

It’s also important to note that the Resqme Escape Tool will only break tempered glass and not your windshield glass, which is generally a laminated glass. In fact, it won’t work on laminated glass at all, so before you purchase, it’s best to understand the type of glass your vehicle has accordingly. But for the types of windows it’s intended on, the brand claims that the Escape Tool can be used in a “rollover, electrical system failure, car fire, flood, [or a] sinking car accident.” 

Resqme Car Escape Tool

On the other side of the resqme tool, there is a separate but just-as-crucial life-saving tool: a curved, stainless steel razor blade designed to cut a jammed-up seatbelt in an emergency. It works by acting like a knife that quickly and easily severs the belt so you can get free and bring yourself to safety. Since the blade is on the inside of the device, you might assume that there’s a chance you could accidentally cut yourself, but the Resqme device features a protective cap over the blade to prevent such injuries. 

Since any automobile accident can cause items to fly and shift around a vehicle, in doing my research on the product, I’ve found keeping the Resqme Escape Tool attached to your car keys is recommended if you place your physical car key into the ignition of your vehicle. If you’re like me and your car has a push-start button, there are other options to keep the Resqme in close contact should you need it in a hurry — like hanging it on your rearview mirror, attaching it to your seat headrests, or attaching it to a gear stick. 

And while you’d hope to never have to use the Resqme device more than once, it does boast a reusable design; the spring-loaded spike will reset itself and the blade is sharp enough for multiple seat belt cuts. So whether you’re skittish to cruise down local highways or feel confident enough to drive on Bolivia’s famed “route of death,” Carretera a los Yungas, you can see how having the Resqme Emergency Car Escape Tool clipped to your keychain or even belt loop as you travel might be a good idea. 

Luckily, I’ve never had to use the device. So, how do I know it works? Apart from first-hand testimonials and 6,000-plus five-star reviews at Amazon, there are plenty of video demonstrations out there that any potential buyer can watch on their own. 

Let this be your sign to add the Resqme Emergency Car Escape Tool to your travel gear repertoire. It’s also available in a two-pack should you want to purchase one for you and a loved one. While you’re at it, explore the other top-rated personal safety devices that you can get at Amazon. 

More Personal Safety Devices at Amazon: 

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

AceMining Portable Door Lock

CallToU Wireless Caregiver Pager Smart Call System

Ecbanli Bracelet Car Window Breaker

At the time of purchasing, the price started at $9. 

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