When I first started driving, I was more nervous than excited. Honestly, just the thought of being behind the wheel by myself made my stomach twist. I couldn’t even imagine driving alone, so my mom had to ride along every time, acting as my calm anchor in the passenger seat.

She never once complained, even when I drove like a grandma through empty parking lots. I know some people hit the road with total confidence from day one, like they were born to drive, but I was definitely not one of them. These days, I’ve grown into a much better, more confident driver, but those nerves? Yeah, they still pop up every now and then—especially when traffic is crazy or someone cuts me off without signaling. The truth is, driving always comes with some risk, and you never really know what kind of situation you’ll be in.

Thankfully, car manufacturers seem to understand that we’re all human. They’ve packed vehicles with safety features designed to make our lives easier—and safer. Take the seatbelt alarm, for example. It’s loud, persistent, and a bit annoying, but it’s also one of those features that genuinely saves lives. You might roll your eyes when it starts beeping, but let’s be honest, that sound has probably saved countless people by making sure they buckle up.

And while we’re all familiar with standard safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and backup cameras, there’s one lesser-known feature that could literally be a lifesaver in an emergency: a hidden switch located in your trunk. I stumbled across this gem thanks to a TikTok user, @huyameishuoche, who shared a clip that honestly made me stop and think. Imagine you’re in your car, and for whatever terrifying reason, it ends up submerged in water.

@master_driver666 99% of people don’t know! Hidden emergency features in your car!#skills #knowledge #fpy #fyp #tips #foryou #carsoftiktok ♬ 原聲 – 虎牙妹说车 – Master driver

Your vehicle goes from transportation to trap in seconds, and panic sets in. That’s where the hidden switch comes into play. It’s designed specifically for situations like this, giving you or a passenger a chance to escape from inside the car. The switch is usually found on the inside of the trunk door. Now, you might be thinking, “But how would I get to the trunk from the inside?” Good question. In many cars, especially sedans, the back seats can fold down, allowing access to the trunk. That’s exactly what the TikTok video shows—a step-by-step breakdown of how to get to the trunk and where to find the release. Once someone climbs into the trunk and locates the switch, it only takes one press to open the trunk from the inside. It’s simple, but it could be the key to survival in an emergency. Learning about that hidden switch got me thinking about other overlooked car features. For example, did you know that your headrests might serve more than one purpose? While they’re mainly there to support your head and reduce injury during accidents, in some cars they can also be pulled out and used to break a window in case you’re trapped. Not all headrests are designed this way, and some experts caution against relying on them for this purpose, but it’s still something to consider. The bigger takeaway here is that it’s so important to truly get to know your vehicle—not just how to turn on the headlights or adjust the mirrors, but the deeper stuff. Flip through your car’s manual. Learn where emergency tools are located. Know which features could come in handy when things don’t go as planned. The more prepared you are, the safer you’ll be. And that preparedness extends beyond safety features. Good driving habits matter just as much. Stay off your phone, follow the speed limit, keep your eyes on the road, and always be aware of your surroundings. Pair that with regular car maintenance—checking your brakes, tire pressure, engine, and battery—and you’re doing your part to make the road safer for yourself and everyone else. Driving might still feel nerve-wracking sometimes, especially if you’re naturally anxious behind the wheel like I was, but there’s comfort in knowing that cars are built with our safety in mind. From beeping seatbelt reminders to hidden trunk releases, every feature has a purpose. By staying informed, keeping up with maintenance, and practicing mindful driving, we not only increase our safety but also find peace of mind. And in today’s fast-paced world, a little peace of mind can go a very long way. So please, drive safe—because knowing your car could save your life one day.