Originally Posted by
QXflyer
In the US, (on Alaska at least) the cabin crew come to the over-wing emergency exits and do their own safety brief that goes something like: "Please remove your headphones, I need your full attention... Here is how you open the exit... I need a verbal confirmation and nod from each of you that you are willing to perform these duties should they be required..."
All US airlines, I think it's required by law/regulation.
However, all they need is for you to say "yes". They don't tell you anything about how the exits are operated, nor do they verify in any way that you have a clue.
This is an illustration of the problem: as long as it's just about following procedure or covering your backside you won't actually improve anybody's probability of surviving an emergency at all.