Getting stuck in the trunk of a car can be a terrifying, even deadly, experience. It is possible for a criminal to put people in the trunk; or it could be someone (usually a child) trapped by accident. Whether intentional entry or not, the trunk of a car is a very dangerous place. Unfortunately, escaping from the trunk of a car is not easy. While all cars made in the United States after 2002 have a trunk lock release lever, many other cars do not. So what can you do to increase your chances of getting out of the trunk of the car? Here are the instructions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Escape Immediately
Step 1. Pull the trunk lock release lever
All US-made cars manufactured after 2002 are required to have a trunk lock release lever by law. If you're lucky and you're in one of these cars, and your captor isn't aware, find the lock release lever and pull it up or down, depending on the model. This lever usually looks like a glow-in-the-dark handle near the trunk lock; but this lever can also take the form of a rope, button, switch, or handle that won't glow in the dark.
Step 2. Exit via the backseat, if the driver leaves the car
On some car models, the rear seats can be folded and open access to the trunk. Usually, the strap for folding the rear seat is inside the car interior, but there are also car models that include this strap in the trunk. If the trunk of the car you're trapped in doesn't have a strap like this, you can push, kick, or fiddle with the backseat until it opens and then get out. If you are kidnapped, make sure your kidnapper is away. Instead, you'll be putting yourself in danger by sneaking into your captor's face.
Step 3. Pull the tailgate opening cable
If the car has a tailgate opening lever that can be operated from inside the car (usually located near the driver's seat), you may be able to pull the cord and open the tailgate. Lift the carpet or cardboard layer off the trunk floor, and look for some kind of cable. This cable is usually located on the driver side. If there are no cables, look for them on the driver side trunk wall. If you find a cable, pull it toward the front of the car to open the door. Pulling this cable toward the front of the car will unlock the trunk.
If available, a pair of pliers will help you grip the cable
Step 4. Unlock the trunk
If you can't find the key cord, but you can find the trunk key, you can try disassembling the key. Look for a screwdriver, crowbar, or wheel wrench that may be in the trunk. It could be that there is a tool box or equipment for changing car tires under the trunk carpet. If you find a tool, use it to unlock the trunk. If you fail to disassemble the trunk lock, you can still try to break through the sides of the back door. This will provide air exchange into the trunk, and you'll also be able to signal people outside.
Step 5. Push the brake light outward
You can access the brake lights from inside the trunk. You may have to pull or disassemble a panel to get to the brake lights. Once you have access to the brake lights, unplug the cables, then push or kick the lights out of the car body. Then, you can signal to other road users by taking your hand out of the car.
- Even if you fail to push the brake lights out, if you manage to untangle the cables and turn off the lights, you'll increase the chance that the car will be pulled over by the police (which is a good thing if you've been kidnapped) for not working brake lights or taillights.
- Remember, of all the strategies, this one is the most rowdy. If you are not kidnapped and want to attract people's attention, this is the most effective method.
Step 6. Use the jack to open the trunk door
Many people store jacks, spare tires and other equipment in their luggage. Sometimes it's under the trunk carpet, sometimes on the side of the trunk. If you find a jack, install it and raise it in the trunk, so that the back door pushes and opens.
Step 7. If all of this fails, kick the trunk and create a ruckus to attract the attention of those around you (if you don't get kidnapped, of course)
If you're locked in your trunk and aren't afraid your abductor is aware of the noise you're making, kick the trunk as hard as you can and scream until you get the attention of someone else who can seek help. If you're in a public place, try this method while you search for your trunk lock or lock release lever. You should know that this method will be more capable of making you hysterical and hyperventilating.
Method 2 of 3: Increase Your Chances of Escape
Step 1. Stay calm
Car trunk space is not completely airtight. You have about 12 hours until you pass out, maybe even more, depending on how much luggage space you have. The thing that can kill you is hyperventilation, so breathe normally and don't panic. The temperature inside the luggage compartment can reach 60°C, but you must remain calm so that you have a good chance of escaping.
Step 2. If your kidnapper is in the car, move as quietly as possible
Even if you feel desperate and want to get out of the car as soon as possible, if you're kicking here and there, screaming, and making a lot of noise while the kidnapper is driving, they'll be able to hear you and get angry, and end up tying or gagging your mouth. If you decide that the only thing you can do is kick the trunk while the kidnapper is driving, or the trunk space is getting hotter, try it when the car is moving fast or in a noisy environment.
Even if you try to escape quietly, your captor may hear a "pop" sound indicating the trunk is open
Step 3. Once you have successfully opened the trunk, wait for the right time to jump
You might want to jump right after you open the trunk door, but you won't be able to do that if the car is moving fast on the freeway; You can die. Wait until the car is slow enough to allow you to escape from the trunk, such as when you are stopped at a red light or walking slowly through a residential area.
Jumping when the car is slow is better than jumping when the car is stopped, because if the car stops and your captor gets out of the car and notices that the trunk door is open, he can punish you
Method 3 of 3: So You and Your Family Don't Get Trapped in Luggage
Step 1. Install the trunk lock release lever in the trunk of your car
Most people get stuck in the trunk of their own car. Fortunately, you can prepare for an accident like this by installing a trunk lock release lever in your car. See if your car already has one, if not, you can install it if your car has a functioning electronic key release mechanism.
- If your luggage can be opened by remote control, leave a spare remote control in the trunk. Make sure children and other family members know where this item is and how to operate it.
- If your trunk cannot be opened with the remote control, you can purchase and install the lock release lever yourself. The price is around 70 thousand rupiah. If you are unsure of your ability to install it, take it to a repair shop.
Step 2. Leave important safety equipment in your baggage
Leave a flashlight, crowbar and screwdriver in your trunk. If you can't attach a lock release lever, leave tools in your trunk that will make it easier for you to lock the trunk or at least attract the attention of those around you.
Tips
- If you are kidnapped, your abductor may have emptied the baggage beforehand. Usually bad people have thought of things like this.
- United States-made cars with non-hatchback baggage since 2002 are required to include a trunk lock release lever.
- If you're lucky, your captor may be playing music or being in a noisy environment. You will be able to call for emergency help or call for help from others without being heard by the kidnappers. If the kidnapper is not in a noisy environment or playing music, whisper so that he can't hear you and take your phone.
