Ford has filed a patent for a window-breaking device, neatly disguised as a grab handle on the inside of a vehicle. CarBuzz discovered the patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
As you can see, the grab handle can be removed to function as a hammer tool for breaking windows. As Ford correctly states, escape hammers are pretty common, but this tool has a few tricks up its metaphorical sleeve. It can break a window with ease, and on the other side, it has a cutting tool designed specifically for cutting seat belt material. So far, nothing too unusual.
What makes this tool unique is the RF signal communication device for communicating with the drowning car. The signal can also be used to determine whether the occupant is still in the car or whether they successfully escaped. This will help emergency services locate said occupants of the vehicle. Ford’s tool also comes with a battery and an LED light.