The reason for these illuminating handles is grim but practical: they’re an emergency release designed to open the trunk if someone is stuck or trapped inside.  Typically, these handles are made out of a glow-in-the-dark material so they can be easily spotted when the trunk is closed.

The idea for a technology like this can be traced back to the 1980s when a man named William Proehl requested the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) make emergency trunk handles required by law. Proehl’s idea did not gain much momentum at the time due to a lack of safety data around the topic. But as time went on, more and more cases of kidnappings, trapped children and heat stroke stacked up.

By 2002, a law was passed requiring auto manufacturers to include emergency trunk releases in all vehicles. Proehl was named as the petitioner in the NHTSA’s official ruling, which read:

“The petitioner stated that persons such as alarm and stereo installers, mechanics, playful children, pranksters, and crime victims may be trapped in the trunk. The petitioner also believed that an elderly person might fall into the trunk and thereby become entrapped. Mr. Proehl asked NHTSA to require an inside trunk release in all new cars to facilitate the release of these victims.”

How Do You Use An Emergency Trunk Release?
Emergency trunk releases are designed to be as simple to use as possible. Just find the glowing handle and pull; the trunk latch will release, freeing whoever is stuck inside. Next time you open your trunk, take a second to locate your emergency trunk release. You never know when you’ll need it.