How to get out of a car trunk

Inside the trunks there are emergency opening latches. If you are stuck in the trunk of a car, pop out the back seat or taillight and signal for help.

It is unlikely that you will accidentally get stuck in the trunk of a car. If you are the only child of a diplomat or wealthy businessman, or if you choose to deal with unwanted characters, you may find yourself forcibly locked in the trunk. Friends can play tricks on you, which is not very funny when you are alone in the trunk.

If you are trapped in the trunk of a car, there is no immediate reason to panic. There will be enough air for a while, so gather your thoughts and find a way out. There are easy ways to escape, including one that is only meant to get out of a closed trunk.

Method 1 of 3: Pull the emergency trunk release cable

Since 2001, vehicle manufacturers have been required to install an internal emergency trunk release handle in closed trunks. It is designed specifically for this purpose, as 11 children died last year from being locked in chests. The optional trunk release cable is installed directly on the trunk lock. When activated, the trunk opens immediately.

Step 1: Locate the trunk latch.. The most common location is at the junction of the trunk lid and the car body, right in the center.

The latch engages with a striker recessed into the housing or snapped onto a metal rod. If the trunk is dark, you may have to find the latch by feel rather than visually.

Step 2: Follow the release cables to the emergency release.. The release cables are attached to the latch assembly.

Use your fingers to trace the cables to their handle. Usually one of them is hidden in the body of the car for the inside handle of opening the trunk, and the second cable leads to an emergency opening.

If the trunk lid has an insert, you will not be able to access the cables. Look for a flat T-handle on the trunk lid or on the inside of the fenders.

Step 3: Pull the emergency release. All it takes is a strong pull to open the trunk.

The handle is attached to the trunk lid with Velcro or a clip. Just grab the handle, pull it and the trunk lid will open.

Method 2 of 3: Break through the back seat

If your kidnappers left you in the trunk of a car and abandoned the car, and there is no emergency exit, you can try to get out through the back seat. It will require strength and perseverance, but your survival may depend on it!

Step 1: Check the rear seat release handle.. Some vehicles with folding rear seats have release handles in the trunk.

Look for a small release handle mounted under the rear panel, right below the rear window. If you find a handle, pull hard on it. You may need to press down on the seat to fold it down.

Step 2: Find the weak spot in the back seat. It may take several attempts to find the right place to take a break.

If there is no release handle, you will need to force the seat through. Look for gaps that allow light to pass through, or gaps between seats.

If there is a passage for the trunk in the middle of the seat, the plastic parts are relatively easy to break. However, be careful: the broken plastic is quite sharp.

Step 3: Secure yourself in the trunk with your feet on the back of the seat.. Whether at the rear of the trunk or the sides at the wheel arches, the trunk is solid.

Press your back against a hard surface to get better leverage when you start kicking.

Step 4: knock out the back seat. Hit as hard as you can to break the back seat.

Kick the seat repeatedly. When you hear a crack or break, you've probably found your exit point. Keep hitting this spot until you break through.

Step 5: Crawl Through the Back of the Seat. Make your breakthrough from the back seat and then run out of the car.

Method 3 of 4: break the taillight

If you can tell the car is moving over road noise and bumps, it's best not to jump out of a moving car. You may find yourself in the middle of a busy highway. However, you can get someone's attention. And with any luck, they will contact the authorities to help you.

Step 1: Break out the tail light. One on each side just outside of the trunk, but they are installed inside.

You may need to pull the trunk carpet away from the wheel arch to access the taillights. Just grab the edge of the carpet and pull hard.

Hit the rear light as hard as you can. You need to break through completely to wave to other motorists and passers-by. On some vehicles, the tail light is held in place with a pair of plastic nuts. You can remove them by hand and simply push the light block out.

Step 2. Tag help or call for help.. Let anyone within earshot or sight know that you need help.

Method 4 of 4: Use a rear light to signal distress

Using a rear distress light works best at night, but can be effective during the day as well.

Step 1: Locate the wires for one of the tail lights.. Usually two or more wires are connected to each lamp.

Cut one wire with the raw edge of the trunk. This causes the light to stop working.

Step 2: Connect the two ends of the wire to make the light blink.. SOS signal, international distress signal.

It's three short flashes, then three long flashes, then three more short flashes. Keep giving the SOS signal until help arrives.

Vehicle safety standards mean you can get out of a locked trunk if you keep a clear head. If you somehow accidentally lock yourself in your own trunk, try to minimize the damage you cause. If after that you need to repair the headlights or wiring, contact one of the AvtoTachki certified specialists for an inspection.