When I first started driving, I was the kind of nervous wreck who couldn’t bring herself to go out alone. My mom had to sit in the passenger seat every time, patiently enduring my cautious starts, jerky stops, and constant glances at the mirrors. She never once complained, though I knew it must have been exhausting.

I envied those people who slid behind the wheel on day one with confidence, as if they were born knowing how to parallel park. That wasn’t me. Even now, though I’ve grown into a capable driver, a flicker of those early nerves still surfaces. Because the truth is, no matter how skilled you are, when you’re out on a road surrounded by unpredictable drivers and unexpected situations, you can never fully anticipate what’s coming. Thankfully, car manufacturers seem to understand that we’re human, prone to mistakes and moments of panic, so they’ve built in safety features to help us.

Take the relentless beeping when you forget your seatbelt—it’s annoying, yes, but also a reminder that could save your life. Beyond these obvious safeguards, there are hidden features most drivers never even realize exist, and one of them could mean the difference between life and death. Thanks to a TikTok creator, @huyameishuoche, a little-known but potentially lifesaving trick has been getting attention. Imagine you’re in a nightmare scenario: your car ends up submerged in water. Within seconds, what was once a safe space becomes a metal trap. It’s terrifying to even picture. This is exactly when that secret switch comes into play. In many cars, there’s an emergency release switch inside the trunk, often on the trunk door itself.

You might be thinking, “How would I get to the trunk from inside the car?” The answer lies in your backseats. In most vehicles, they can fold down, giving you access to the trunk. In the TikTok video, the process is shown step-by-step—once the trunk is open, someone can crawl inside, find the switch, and with a single click, the trunk pops open from the inside, offering a way out when every second counts. Learning about this feature made me think about other overlooked safety measures in cars.

@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

Take headrests, for example. Most of us think they’re just for comfort, but in an emergency, they can be pulled out and used to break a window if you’re trapped. While not everyone agrees it’s the most effective tool for that purpose, it’s still worth knowing. Of course, their main purpose is to support your head and neck, and you should use them as intended, but having that extra bit of knowledge could be helpful in an extreme situation. The lesson here is simple: knowing your car’s safety features can make you better prepared for emergencies. It’s not just about adjusting mirrors or learning how to use the turn signal.

Take time to go through your owner’s manual, explore the hidden compartments and mechanisms, and understand every tool your car offers. Being informed gives you an advantage, and that knowledge could protect you and your passengers. Beyond features, safe driving habits are just as important. That means avoiding distractions like texting, keeping to the speed limit, and staying alert to what’s happening around you. Equally vital is regular vehicle maintenance. Make sure your brakes, tires, lights, and engine are in top condition, and don’t ignore those dashboard warning lights. A well-maintained car is far less likely to put you in a dangerous situation. For those of us who don’t naturally feel fearless behind the wheel, preparation is empowering.

Whether it’s the obvious reminders, like the seatbelt alarm, or the hidden lifesavers, like the trunk release switch, these features exist to give us options when the unexpected happens. By combining knowledge of these systems with good driving practices and routine upkeep, we can make the road a safer place for ourselves and everyone else. In the end, being prepared doesn’t just increase safety—it also brings peace of mind. And in a world that’s always rushing toward the next destination, that sense of security is priceless. So, take the time to learn what your car can do for you, stay alert, maintain your vehicle, and drive safely. You never know when one small piece of knowledge—like the location of a hidden switch—might be the thing that saves your lif