When I first started driving, I was anything but confident. Honestly, the idea of driving alone felt overwhelming, so much so that my mom rode shotgun on nearly every trip, offering quiet support while I gripped the wheel like my life depended on it. She never once complained, bless her heart, even when I drove like a nervous wreck. I know some people slide behind the wheel and hit the road like they’ve been driving their whole lives, but that just wasn’t me.

Over time, I’ve grown into a much more capable and confident driver, but I still get nervous from time to time—because let’s face it, when you’re out on the road, anything can happen. It’s reassuring to know that car manufacturers have acknowledged our human imperfections and created features designed to make driving safer and easier. Think about the seatbelt alarm, for example. That persistent beeping can drive you nuts, but it’s there for a reason—it could save your life. And while features like airbags and backup cameras are well known, there are some hidden tools in your car that are just as vital but far less talked about. One of those features is a secret switch that could make all the difference in a life-or-death situation, and yet many drivers have no idea it even exists. I came across this important tip thanks to a TikTok user, @huyameishuoche, who posted a video about a hidden switch found in many car trunks. Imagine your car ends up submerged in water—a truly terrifying situation.

Your vehicle suddenly transforms from a mode of transport to a potential death trap. In this moment, knowing where to find that hidden switch could mean the difference between escape and tragedy. Typically, this switch is located on the inside of the trunk door. You might be wondering how anyone would access the trunk from inside the car. Well, in most vehicles, especially sedans, the back seats fold down, allowing access to the trunk from the main cabin. In the video, @huyameishuoche demonstrates how to fold the seats, crawl into the trunk, and activate the release switch.

With a single press, you or a loved one could escape through the trunk—something that might otherwise seem impossible in a high-stress, emergency scenario. Discovering this hidden safety feature got me thinking about other overlooked tools in our cars. Take the headrests, for instance. While they’re designed to support your neck and reduce whiplash, some can also be removed and used to break the window glass if you’re ever trapped inside your vehicle. This isn’t universally true for all headrests, and there’s some debate about whether or not this is a reliable method, but it’s still something worth knowing.

@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

Even if you never need to use these emergency tactics, being aware of them adds another layer of protection. So how can we be more prepared when we’re out on the road? First and foremost, take the time to really get to know your vehicle. That means more than just learning how to adjust the mirrors or turn on the headlights. Flip through your owner’s manual. Learn what every button and lever does. Check out how your seats fold down. Familiarity with your vehicle’s design and safety features boosts your readiness in ways you might not expect. Being prepared brings peace of mind, which is just as valuable as any safety feature. But preparation doesn’t stop there. Safe driving habits play a huge role in keeping you—and others—out of harm’s way. Avoid distractions like texting, don’t speed, and always stay alert to what’s happening around you. Pair that with routine maintenance like checking your brakes, oil, tires, and electrical systems, and you’re doing your part to stay safe behind the wheel. Driving can feel stressful, especially for those of us who didn’t start out with natural confidence, but it becomes far less intimidating when we take proactive steps to be prepared. From seatbelt alerts that we love to hate, to secret switches that could save your life in an emergency, our cars are built to protect us. And when we combine that thoughtful engineering with safe habits and vehicle upkeep, we’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re helping create safer roads for everyone. At the end of the day, preparation isn’t just about safety—it’s about peace of mind. And in a world that moves so fast, that peace of mind is something we all could use a little more of. So, please, drive safe and stay informed—it might just save your life one day.