How To Escape From the Trunk of a Car

criminal will force a person into a trunk

Step 1  

Be Calm if you become trapped in a trunk. Trunks aren't completely airtight, and it generally takes at least twelve hours to fall unconscious- more, if you are small or the trunk is large (or both). What could kill you is hyperventilation, so breathe regularly and don't panic. It may get very hot in there - up to 140 degrees F (60 degrees Celsius) - but you still need to stay calm in order to increase your likelihood of escaping.

Step 2  

Attempt to escape through the back seat. Some cars have back seats that fold down to allow access to the trunk. Generally the release for these seats is located inside the car, but there may be one in the trunk as well. If not, try to push, kick, or pry the seats down, and then climb out

Step 3  

Look for a trunk release. The trunk you're in may not have a release unless it's a newer model or it's your car and you've installed a release. Nonetheless, it's worth looking for the release, just in case. It will usually be a glow-in-the-dark handle located near the trunk latch, but it may also be a cord, button, or toggle switch, or a handle that does not glow in the dark.

Step 4  

Look for a trunk release cable. If the car is equipped with a cable trunk release that can be operated from inside the car (usually by a lever near the drivers seat), you may be able to pull the cable and open the trunk latch. Pull up the carpet on the floor of the trunk and feel for a cable. It will typically be on the driver's side. If no cable is there, search along the side of the trunk. If you locate a cable, pull on it (pulling toward the front of the car) to open the trunk. The cable may be difficult to pull, but keep trying. If there are pliers inside the trunk they may help you grip the cable.

Step 5  

Pry the latch open. Search for a screwdriver, crowbar, or tire iron inside the trunk. There may be a toolkit or tire-changing tool set under the trunk floor. If you find a tool, use it to pry open the trunk latch. If you are unable to pry the latch, you may be able to pry up the side of the trunk. This will provide some ventilation and enable you to signal for help.

Step 6  

Push out the brake lights. You should be able to access the brake lights from inside the trunk. You may need to pull or pry a panel off to get to them. Once you have access to them, rip the wires out of them. Then try to push or kick the lights through so that they fall out of the back of the vehicle. You can then signal to motorists or passersby by sticking your hand out through the hole. Even if you're unable to push the lights out, if you disconnect the wires, you increase the chance that whoever is driving the vehicle (if you've been abducted) will get pulled over by the police.

Prevention

1. Install a trunk release in your car's trunk. The vast majority of trunk entrapment cases occur in the victim's own car. The good news is, you can prepare for such an eventuality by installing a trunk release. Check if your car already has a trunk release in the trunk. If it doesn't you may be able to install one as long as yours has an operational electronic trunk release mechanism.
   • If your trunk can be opened remotely, the easiest thing to do is to hide a spare remote in the trunk. Make sure to tell your children and other family members where it is located and how it is operated.
   • If your trunk cannot be opened remotely, you can purchase the supplies to install a trunk release yourself for about $4. Have the release installed for you if you are not confident in your mechanical abilities.
2. Keep a flashlight and crowbar and/or screwdriver in your trunk. If you can't install a trunk release, keep tools in your trunk that will help you pry open the latch or, at the very least, help you attract attention from passersby.

Tips

• Emergency trunk releases have been required on all passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. beginning with the 2002 model year.
• Keep in mind that if you have been abducted, your kidnapper will have most likely already cleared out the trunk, as these people usually will think ahead.
• Many cars have a spare tire and some tools to change it in the trunk. If you can get to them, you may be able to use them to help you escape.