You have to differentiate between a tactical knife or a first responder, which she is. As a first responder she may be involved in more motor vehicle accidents where the victims can not escape the restraints of a seat belt because they are unconscious and the vehicle may be burning. I would personally recommend the Spyderco rescue assist which could double as a self defense weapon as well. If she is surprised from behind she may not be able to stab but she can definitely cut real deep to free herself .