well, glad it got back on the the original question - water crossings. So how fast are you going that deep to need a seat belt on. Seriously if you have ever been in a crossing that deep you would know there is no way you can get that fast as to need seat belt. I would rather have the windows down (and do) and have no seat belts on (I don't either in these cases) and as mentioned no pissing around trying to find cutters and knifes and windscreen hammers. Also life jackets are a bad idea as they will only cause to hold you up rather than letting you get out through the window. Think about the airline safety - don't inflate until you exit the plane!
My seven year old loves deep crossing and did all with me last year when we did the Cape. IMO none were even remotely going to cause a problem and I would say those who have done the same would also agree. If you enter a river flowing to fast then you should have turned back as mentioned.
Oh this is my opinion and no opinions were hurt in the making of mine.
My son likes to try and reach the water while we are crossing deep water. Fun for the while family. This was Nolans last year and I know a lot of swaggers that also did this crossing with out harm.
My son wound his window up as the water stated to come in over it. Mine stayed open.
I get what your saying steve that the Milford cargo barriers come with these attached to the rear side, I to have one also and moved it to the side the cars passengers are seated on where it can be used. Theres no point in it being back there when theres no one siting back there.
But then I see you comment that your window stayed down when your sons went up as seen in your pic.
My point for you and others was if your in a situation like "rossow" was were the car rolled onto its side in the water....lets say the drivers side...what would you do?
Steve, my comments aren't in any way an attack just a safety point for you & your family and others that may read this. Your not the only person to have left the tool still cable tied back there would hate to see some one need it, have it but not reach it when it matters.
Accidents aren't some thing we can control but exit strategies are.