Noting that modern, highly technological vehicles may pose risks to rescue workers trying to extricate crash victims, State Farm is conducting a national education effort to inform fire departments and emergency medical service personnel about the potential hazards.

“With automakers producing more technically advanced vehicles, rescue workers will see more of these cars involved in accidents. Rescue personnel will need to know how to avoid potentially dangerous situations,” said Ron Moore of the McKinney, Texas, Fire Department, who has joined the project as an instructor. “Rescue workers need to keep up with the amazing innovations in cars today, so that we don't endanger our own lives or delay a rescue when time is of the essence.”

State Farm's Education and Research Facility has developed a free, interactive broadcast that provides information on recent advancements in automotive technology. Among the topics explored are advanced technology in gas/electric hybrid vehicles, air bag systems, and new construction materials. The program also includes preventing injuries from accidental deployment of air bags during rescues, which can injure rescuers and victims inside vehicles; avoiding risks in convertibles from retractable roll bars' activating during rescues; and efficiently cutting through new lightweight, ultra-hard metal alloys, such as Boron steel.