The hidden button that can help stranded drivers escape flooded cars in seconds

Drivers have been urged to learn the location of a in their car that could help them quickly escape if they are caught in a flash flood.

While for and ice are still being issued by the in large parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the north of England, a growing number of areas are after heavy rainfall.

To help drivers stay safe in emergencies, the user has explaining how to get out of a car using the bootlid thanks to a .

She said: “Don’t worry when you’re stuck in your car and can’t get out. Actually, getting out of the car is very simple.

“First, put down the rear seats, then climb into your boot. There’s a small black mechanism on the boot door panel. This is your life-saving switch. You can open the boot with just one click.”

In the video, the driving expert folded down the rear seats and crawled inside the boot of her car. She then showed viewers a small latch on the tailgate, which can be pushed aside to open the bootlid.

Whilst few drivers will need to use this function on most journeys, manufacturers are required to fit it to help trapped drivers escape when the doors cannot be opened or they are stuck in the boot.

Some cars may also have a bootlid release switch located on the dashboard or driver’s footwell, which can also be used to help them escape from a vehicle caught in a flood.

If a vehicle gets submerged in water, it is vital that the driver and all passengers stay calm, switch off the enigne, and unlock all doors as quickly as possible.

In most cases, the water should still be shallow enough for occupants to open the doors to escape. However, if the water is too deep for the doors to be opened, motorists should try to open the boot using the release button or, if their vehicle has one, open the sunroof.

Once everyone is outside the vehicle, they must get to a safe form of higher ground, avoiding walking through flowing water, and call for assistance.