Video: Emergency Trunk Release Could Save Your Life

01:38 min

By Cars.com Editors

July 5, 2017

For the 2002 model year, all cars were required to feature a standard glow-in-the-dark trunk-release lever, which opens the compartment from the inside. Matt Schmitz goes over the lever’s importance and provides prevention tips.

(upbeat music) Woo, it is hot in here. Luckily, I was able to get out, thanks to this handy little glow-in-the-dark release lever. All I had to do was push it and open sesame. Lucky, hardly.

This little emergency mechanism, has been a mandatory standard safety feature on all new cars for the past 15 years. Why you ask? I mean, when does this even come up for anyone not turning state's evidence against the mafia in a movie? The truth is actually pretty grim. As many as 20 people die each year while trapped in a trunk, where temperatures can rapidly rise to deadly levels. Some are kidnapping victims and others who are children who get locked in while playing in the car. Older cars, those manufactured prior to the 2002 regulation, are the culprits in most trunk deaths nowadays. While no children have died in a properly equipped car since the mandate took effect, nearly two dozen have lost their lives in older cars. Safety advocates recommend these measures for preventing trunk trapping tragedies. Consider buying a trunk lever retrofit kit, which you can pick up for as little as 10 bucks. Teach children that car trunks are for cargo, not hide and seek. Always supervise youngsters in and around vehicles. Check the trunk right away if your child goes missing. Lock your car up and be sure keys and remote entry devices are out of kids' sight and out of reach. Keep the rear full down seats closed and locked. Dissuade children from climbing into the trunk from inside the car. Heed this advice, and ensure your car is equipped with an emergency escape lever, and you'll be ready to give trunk trouble, the boot. (upbeat music)