I don’t know about you, but when I first started driving, I was a bundle of nerves. I’m talking the kind of nervous where my mom had to sit in the passenger seat every time because the idea of driving alone felt overwhelming. And bless her heart—she never complained once. Sure, I know there are plenty of people who jumped behind the wheel with instant confidence and zero hesitation. That’s great for them, but I just can’t relate. These days, I’d say I’m a pretty solid driver, but every now and then, those old jitters creep back in. Let’s be honest—when you’re on the road surrounded by countless other cars, you really never know what’s going to happen or who you might encounter.

Luckily, car manufacturers seem to understand that human beings aren’t perfect, and they’ve put a lot of thought into creating built-in safety features that make driving easier and safer. Take the persistent chime your car makes if you forget to buckle your seatbelt. Yes, it’s annoying. But it’s also incredibly helpful and, in many cases, life-saving. That’s the thing about these little reminders—they’re designed to protect us, even when they drive us a bit crazy. And while most of us know about the obvious safety measures, there are some hidden features in cars that aren’t as widely known—features that could potentially save your life in an emergency.

One such feature recently gained attention thanks to TikTok user @huyameishuoche. Imagine this scenario: your vehicle ends up completely submerged in water, instantly turning it into a trapped, airless space. It’s a horrifying thought, but it’s exactly the kind of moment where knowing about a certain hidden switch could mean the difference between life and death. This switch is typically located inside the trunk—more specifically, on the trunk’s door. Now you might be wondering, “But if I’m stuck inside the car, how am I supposed to get to the trunk?” In many vehicles, the backseats can be folded down, creating a pathway into the trunk.

In the video, @huyameishuoche walks viewers through the process step-by-step: once you fold the seats and access the trunk, you need to climb inside and find the small emergency release switch. With just one click, the trunk can be opened from the inside, allowing you to escape. It’s a simple mechanism, but in the right situation, it could save your life—or someone else’s.

Thinking about hidden safety features like that also reminded me of another little-known trick involving headrests. While we all know their primary purpose is to support your head and neck, in certain emergencies, they can be removed and used to break a car window. Of course, no one hopes to ever use a headrest for that reason, but it’s reassuring to know it’s an option in a dire situation. That said, headrests are still designed for comfort and safety during normal driving, so it’s worth noting that not everyone agrees breaking a window this way is the best method.

So, what’s the takeaway here? The best way to keep yourself safe behind the wheel is to truly know your car. It’s not just about adjusting your mirrors or knowing how to use your turn signal—it’s about exploring every feature your vehicle offers. Crack open the manual, familiarize yourself with the controls, and learn about any emergency tools built into your specific model. Preparation is more than half the battle when it comes to safety.

Beyond knowing your car’s features, practicing safe driving habits is essential. That means keeping distractions to a minimum—no texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio when your attention should be on the road. Always follow the speed limit, stay alert to your surroundings, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. And don’t forget the importance of regular maintenance—making sure your brakes, tires, engine, and electrical systems are in top shape will greatly reduce your risk of encountering dangerous situations in the first place.

For those of us who didn’t start out as confident drivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of navigating traffic, unpredictable drivers, and ever-changing road conditions. But between manufacturer-designed safety features—like the seatbelt alarm or the hidden trunk switch—and our own commitment to safe driving habits, there’s a lot we can do to protect ourselves and others. Every bit of knowledge and preparation helps.

At the end of the day, being a safe driver isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about being proactive, informed, and prepared for the unexpected. The more you know about your vehicle’s capabilities, the better equipped you’ll be to handle emergencies. And that knowledge doesn’t just improve safety—it gives you peace of mind. In a fast-paced world where we’re always racing from one destination to the next, having that sense of security is worth more than we often realize. So buckle up, stay alert, and make it a priority to know your car inside and out. Drive safe out there.