Internal trunk release mechanisms are now required in all vehicles with trunks starting with model year 2002 vehicles.

There has not been one documented fatality in the trunk of a vehicle with the glow-in-dark internal release mechanism required by law.

Child Stories

The trunk of a vehicle may seem like the perfect hiding spot for an innocent game of “hide-and-go-seek.” However, children do not understand how quickly the temperature inside the trunk of a vehicle can rise. These tragic stories are about children who became trapped inside the trunk of a vehicle and were not found until it was too late.

Tragedies

Near Misses

Fact Sheet

The trunk of a vehicle can be a very enticing hiding spot for an innocent game of hide-and-go-seek. But, what children do not understand is that not all vehicles have a trunk release inside the trunk and they can become trapped and succumb to the heat before anybody is able to find them.

Fact Sheet for Trunk Entrapment

Safety Tips

All vehicles 2002 and newer come equipped with a glow-in-the-dark trunk release that allows you to escape if you become trapped inside the trunk of a vehicle. If your vehicle is older than model year 2002, you likely do NOT have this feature. Available at our ‘Store‘ are easy-to-install trunk release kits for only $6.99 that can be installed on your older vehicle.

Learn simple tips on how to keep your children safe in and around vehicles.

Trunk Entrapment Safety Tips

Trunk Entrapment Studies

Learn more about trunk entrapment through studies specific to trunk entrapment injuries and deaths.