Being locked inside the trunk of the car is not impossible and can happen unintentionally with children and adults. However, there are very dangerous situations (such as a kidnapping) where the experience is traumatizing and can lead to death. Whatever the reason for being stuck in there, staying in a trunk is not safe and getting out of it can be quite difficult. Some cars have an opening mechanism that can be accessed from the inside, but not all. If you want to know how to escape from this situation, read this article!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Techniques to Escape Immediately
Step 1. Open the trunk by the inner lever
Some cars have a mechanism in the trunk itself to open it from the inside. If you have access to a screwdriver or other type of tool, remove the liner and look for a piece of iron that reaches up to the lock. Pull or push this iron to open the lid.
Step 2. Call the police if you have a cell phone
Try to give as accurate information as you can about your car, where it is, and the circumstances that led to your situation. Try to find out where you are or where they will take you. You'll probably notice if you're on the BR, in heavy traffic, or in a residential neighborhood.
Step 3. Escape from the backseat if the kidnapper gets out of the car
Of course you shouldn't try this if he's present and driving, try to wait until a good time; when the time comes, try to escape from the backseat. In many cars, the back seat opens to the front and gives access to the trunk. The seat lock is usually on the outside, but some models have it on the inside as well. In any case, if you can't reach the lock, kick the bench with both feet, try to push it hard and get out.
Step 4. Pull the trunk opener handle
It is not difficult for the car to have a lever near the dashboard to open the trunk, connected to the lock via a cable. To find it, lift the carpet and feel the upholstery on the driver's side; if you don't find anything, look around the side of the ceiling. When you find it, pull it towards the driver or to the side; this will allow you to open the latch and push the door up when it is “safe”.
If you find needle-nose pliers, don't hesitate to pick them up – they can be useful in a number of ways, including reaching the handle more accurately
Step 5. Force lock
Finding the latch is a good start, even if there is no cable. The latch can be forced open with a tool. It is quite possible that there are tools to change the tire, such as a wheel wrench or even a screwdriver, and they also tend to stay inside the lining. If you find something like that, try forcing the lock on the trunk; if not, use the tool to bend the edge of the door. This will improve air circulation and you will be able to draw other drivers' attention for help.
Step 6. Push in the brake light
It is possible to access the car flashlight from inside the trunk. Remove the panel that covers the flashlight and pull out the cables from inside; you will have to kick or break the brake light glass, stick your hand through the hole and call for help to the drivers of the other cars.
- Even if you can't break the glass, disconnecting the cables will cause the brake light to burn and this can cause the car to be stopped by someone, even if it's an attempt by other drivers to warn you and you might get attention kicking the door and screaming.
- Keep in mind that this option is the noisiest of all. If you haven't been kidnapped and want to get attention, this tip is even more useful.
Step 7. Use the jack to open the door
As with tools, it's very likely that there's a jack along with a spare tire, usually under the carpet in the trunk of the car. If you're that lucky and manage to catch up, use the jack as you would to change the tire; support it between the hood and the floor and turn the crank, forcing until the hood opens.
Step 8. If none of these methods work, kick the trunk hood hard to get attention, but only if you haven't been kidnapped
Just start kicking the hood and yelling for someone to listen and get you out of there or call for help. This tip is even better if you are in a public place and you can use it while looking for the opening handle and latch. Keep in mind that kicking and screaming will make you agitated and hyperventilating, which can trigger an anxiety attack.
Method 2 of 3: Increasing Your Chances of Escape
Step 1. Stay as calm as you can
Before panicking, try to remember that there is minimal air circulation inside the trunk and you would need to be locked inside for 12 hours to pass out from lack of air, depending on your size and the size of the trunk. However, hyperventilation can kill, so breathe at a normal pace and try don't panic. One of the problems is also the heat you will feel (around 60°), but staying calm will definitely increase your chances of escaping.
Step 2. While the kidnapper is in the car, try to be silent
Kicking and screaming while he's driving can irritate him, which can result in a gag in his mouth and a rope around his feet and hands. If you feel that this is the only way to try to get out, do so when the car is at a fast speed or in a noisy place.
Even if you keep quiet, if you manage to open the hood in a less noisy place, the driver will hear the lock click open
Step 3. Wait for the best time to escape
When you manage to open the hood, you'll want to jump out immediately. However, it is not wise to jump out of a moving car, especially if it is speeding. Wait for it to stop at a light or slow down for any reason and get out.
Your best bet is to jump out of the moving car, but only when it's slow. If the car comes to a complete stop, the hijacker might get out and find you've managed to open the hood – and he won't let you do that again
Method 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Install an opening cable in the trunk
Most of the time, the person locks himself in his own car. Luckily, installing an internal opening system is possible and is the best measure to prevent this type of event (or to remedy it more quickly). Check if the car already comes with this accessory from the factory; if it doesn't, but has an electronic opening system, buy and install a separate cable.
- If your car's trunk opens remotely, leaving extra control inside it can be a great measure. Leave it in a specific place and let the children and other family members know where to find it in an eventuality and how to use it.
- In case you cannot rely on this system, an opening cable costs little and you can ask a professional to install it if you have absolutely no knowledge of auto mechanics.
Step 2. Always leave several tools in the trunk
Have a flashlight, crowbar and screwdriver at the very least. If you can't install an opening system, these tools will be of great help in forcing the hood latch or getting the attention of people on the street.
Tips
- In the event of a kidnapping, the criminal will likely have taken all the tools out of the trunk before going through with the plan.
- Many cars have the spare tire and tools for changing the tire. If you can reach them, your chances of escaping are greater.
- If you are very lucky and the kidnapper hears loud music inside the car, or if the car passes through a noisy place, call the police or someone else for help without being overheard; if the car and the place are quiet, make as little noise as possible. Do your best not to make noise and end up losing your cell phone.
- If you are lucky enough to be locked with your cell phone, call 911.