Summary of Key Events
Recently, two alarming incidents occurred in Yancheng, Jiangsu, and Jinshan, Shanghai, where car owners found themselves trapped in the trunks of their new energy vehicles. The victims were unable to rescue themselves due to the absence of an emergency release strap and the inability to fold down the rear seats in some car models. They were eventually rescued through police intervention or by using the vehicle's voice assistant. Although most car manufacturers claim that their models are equipped with such a strap, approximately 60% of car owners are unaware of its location. Currently, there are no mandatory requirements for the presence of this emergency strap in China, and experts recommend that car owners take the initiative to learn about the emergency procedures outlined in their vehicle manuals.
Detailed Analysis of the Incidents
1. The Dangers of Being Trapped in the Trunk
Both incidents share a common theme: the car owners were accidentally locked in the trunk while attempting to retrieve items and could not find the emergency release strap. In Yancheng, the man was trapped for 5 hours in a heat of over 40°C (104°F), with the trunk being enclosed and oxygen-deprived. His car battery also ran out, and he was only freed after using the vehicle's voice assistant to call for help. In Jinshan, the man was trapped in the middle of the night with his phone battery low and the air becoming increasingly stale; he was rescued through police assistance. These details highlight that being trapped in the trunk is not a rare event, and the conditions (high temperature, lack of oxygen) combined with the absence of necessary tools can quickly escalate the danger to life-threatening levels.
2. The Hidden Emergency Release Strap
Many car manufacturers, such as BYD, state that all their models come with an emergency release strap, which is also documented in the user manuals. However, sales feedback indicates that about 60% of car owners are unaware of its location even after years of using their vehicles. There are several reasons for this: first, the strap is rarely used, so it may not be a priority for manufacturers to highlight; second, sales staff may not inform customers about it; and third, car owners tend not to read the detailed user manuals. Yet, in an emergency, this seemingly insignificant strap can be a lifesaver.
3. Differences in Escape Possibilities between SUVs and Sedans
Experts from Dongfeng Nissan explained that most SUVs allow the rear seats to be folded forward by 90°, providing access to the trunk, making it easier to escape. In contrast, some sedans have integrated crash bars designed to prevent rear-end collisions and enhance the vehicle's structural integrity, which prevents the rear seats from folding down. As a result, trapped passengers in sedans may have to rely on the emergency release strap in the trunk or wait for rescue. Car owners of sedans should be particularly mindful of the location of this strap.
4. Lack of Mandatory Regulations in China
The presence of an emergency release strap is not mandatory in China; car manufacturers choose to include it as a safety feature. Initially, the United States required all vehicles to be equipped with such straps to prevent kidnapping or accidental trapping. Chinese manufacturers have adopted this practice out of safety considerations. The upcoming "Automobile Door Handle Safety Technical Requirements" only mandate the presence of mechanical door handles, excluding the trunk lid. Experts point out that the trunk is primarily for storing items, not for seating, so there is no legal requirement for its inclusion.
5. How to Prevent Traps
To avoid such tragedies, follow these three simple steps:
1. When purchasing a car, ask the salesperson to point out the location of the emergency release strap; it may seem unnecessary, but it’s worth the effort.
2. Spend 10 minutes reading the vehicle manual to find the diagram and instructions for using the strap and memorize them.
3. In case you get trapped, first try to locate the strap (usually on the inner top or side of the trunk, often in red or fluorescent color). For SUVs, try folding down the rear seats if possible. If you cannot find the strap or have no phone, use the vehicle’s voice assistant to call for help.
In summary, although being trapped in the trunk is a rare event, it can be extremely dangerous. Don’t wait until danger strikes to remember to check for the emergency release strap and know how to use it.